Exploring the presence of a sex-specific phenotype of autism spectrum disorder in a random cohort of males and females: a retrospective case note service audit
ISSN: 2056-3868
Article publication date: 27 February 2024
Issue publication date: 14 May 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Recent research has proposed a specific female phenotype within autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It suggests females exhibit differences in social communication styles with higher levels of camouflaging and compensatory strategies, as well as variance in restrictive repetitive behaviours (RRBs); however, many existing studies have been based on either small, disproportionate or child and adolescent samples, leaving questions about the specific phenotype. This study aims to explore the sex difference and phenotype in a clinic sample of individuals diagnosed with autism.
Design/methodology/approach
A service evaluation of sex/ gender differences on 150 historical ASD assessment reports (75 males, 75 females) using a 103-item questionnaire developed from a quantitative review of existing literature was undertaken.
Findings
Females camouflaged more significantly than males in five different areas (thinking how to act next, preparing conversation in advance, making lists of prompts/social responses, wearing a mask/acting, less monotone voice); however, these were not maintained in post-analysis correction.
Originality/value
This study points the evidence towards a different phenotype of Autism that is more common in women than men rather than a unique female phenotype.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: The authors received no financial support from the research, authorship and/or publication of this paper.
Declaration of interest: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this paper.
Citation
Day, R., Simmons, L., Shade, E., Jennison, J., Allely, C.S. and Mukherjee, R.A.S. (2024), "Exploring the presence of a sex-specific phenotype of autism spectrum disorder in a random cohort of males and females: a retrospective case note service audit", Advances in Autism, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 53-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/AIA-11-2022-0053
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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