Behavioral and cognitive characteristics of females and males with autism in the Simons Simplex Collection.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine differences in behavioral symptoms and cognitive functioning between males and females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method

We analyzed data from 2,418 probands with autism (304 females and 2,114 males) included in the Simons Simplex Collection. Sex differences were evaluated across measures of autism symptoms, cognitive and motor functioning, adaptive behavior, and associated behavior problems. Measurement bias was examined using latent variable models of symptoms. Unadjusted and propensity-adjusted analyses were computed to ensure that sex differences were not due to unbalanced sampling. Moderator and mediator analyses evaluated whether sex differences were modified by clinical characteristics or were driven by cognitive ability.

Results

SUBMITTER: Frazier TW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3935179 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature