Introduction
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterised by persistent difficulties with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviours, which appears during early childhood (APA, 2013). While an early diagnosis of ASD has been identified as being beneficial, with improved access to supports and services, reduced judgement and self-criticism and the creation of a positive self-identity all improving quality of life (Ruiz Calzada et al., 2012; Russell & Norwich, 2012; Wong et al., 2015), research has indicated that when compared with males, those assigned female at birth (AFAB) are at an increased risk of remaining undiagnosed and must often present with more severe symptoms in order to have their ASD recognised (Kreiser & White, 2014).
Purpose
To identify the sex differences in ASD presentation, symptomology and co-occurring conditions and to investigate whether there is an association between these differences and age of diagnosis.
Method
The research involved an online survey of autistic adults (both diagnosed and suspected), measuring various demographic factors, and ASD screener measure, as well as participant scores on a battery of screening measures for diagnoses such as ADHD, depression and anxiety disorders etc. Scores on a measure of personal resilience were also included. A between-groups comparison study was conducted to identify the differences between those assigned male at birth (AMAB) and AFAB individuals.
Results
Results of the data analysis describe the differences in ASD presentation, prevalence of co-occurring conditions and individual resilience levels, as well as differences in diagnostic age between AMAB and AFAB participants.
Conclusions
Supported by the literature, it is evident that there are sex differences in ASD presentation and that females with a diagnosis of ASD often also receive secondary and tertiary diagnoses, occasionally prior to receiving the ASD diagnosis. Sex differences must be considered to improve diagnostic pathways and reduce diagnostic age for AFAB individuals.