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Current Psychiatry Reports

Erschienen in:

01.02.2018 | Sex and Gender Issues in Behavioral Health (CN Epperson, Section Editor)

Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Review

verfasst von: Sarah L. Ferri, Ted Abel, Edward S. Brodkin

Erschienen in: Current Psychiatry Reports | Ausgabe 2/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Neurodevelopmental disorders disproportionately affect males. The mechanisms underlying male vulnerability or female protection are not known and remain understudied. Determining the processes involved is crucial to understanding the etiology and advancing treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review current findings and theories that contribute to male preponderance of neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on autism.

Recent Findings

Recent work on the biological basis of the male preponderance of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders includes discussion of a higher genetic burden in females and sex-specific gene mutations or epigenetic changes that differentially confer risk to males or protection to females. Other mechanisms discussed are sex chromosome and sex hormone involvement. Specifically, fetal testosterone is involved in many aspects of development and may interact with neurotransmitter, neuropeptide, or immune pathways to contribute to male vulnerability. Finally, the possibilities of female underdiagnosis and a multi-hit hypothesis are discussed.

Summary

This review highlights current theories of male bias in developmental disorders. Topics include environmental, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms; theories of sex chromosomes, hormones, neuroendocrine, and immune function; underdiagnosis of females; and a multi-hit hypothesis.

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Titel: Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Review
verfasst von: Sarah L. Ferri
Ted Abel
Edward S. Brodkin
Publikationsdatum: 01.02.2018
Verlag: Springer US
Erschienen in: Current Psychiatry Reports / Ausgabe 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1523-3812
Elektronische ISSN: 1535-1645
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-018-0874-2

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Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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