Sex differences in brain structure: a twin study on restricted and repetitive behaviors in twin pairs with and without autism.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Females with autism spectrum disorder have been reported to exhibit fewer and less severe restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests compared to males. This difference might indicate sex-specific alterations of brain networks involved in autism symptom domains, especially within cortico-striatal and sensory integration networks. This study used a well-controlled twin design to examine sex differences in brain anatomy in relation to repetitive behaviors.

Methods

In 75 twin pairs (n = 150, 62 females, 88 males) enriched for autism spectrum disorder (n = 32), and other neurodevelopmental disorders (n = 32), we explored the association of restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests-operationalized by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Re

SUBMITTER: Van't Westeinde A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6937723 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature