Year: 2023
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder appear less frequently diagnosed than boys.This raises several concerns regarding the diagnostic procedure and diagnostic criteria widely used to diagnose Autism.The following scoping review examines the differences between boys and females throughout the diagnostic process.Six articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study.Specifically, gender differences in parents' and teachers' initial concerns, gender differences between children with a high likelihood of being diagnosed, and gender differences in scores on standardised diagnostic instruments were investigated.The results were separated into three stages: pre-diagnostic, diagnostic, and post-diagnostic.All were discussed concerning the cognitive, behavioural, socio-communicative, and repetitive behaviour differences identified at each stage.In the absence of data, the research cannot determine at which stage of the diagnostic procedure gender differences and bias have a more significant impact on the miss or underdiagnosis of females.However, an overview of the gender differences and potential causes of gender disparities in the diagnostic process is presented.Finally, a research gap was identified Regarding the diagnosis of females and the difficulties they confront, primarily those without intellectual disabilities.
Author: GEORGANTOPOULOU, MARTHA
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7038031755