Denne artikel undersøger, hvorfor autismespektrumforstyrrelser (ASD) er mere udbredt blandt drenge end piger. Studier viser, at piger ofte har færre gentagende adfærdsmønstre og færre eksterne adfærdsproblemer, hvilket kan påvirke diagnosticeringen. Genetiske undersøgelser peger på, at piger er mere modstandsdygtige over for ASD-relaterede genetiske variationer
Titel på undersøgelse:
Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
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Hele abstrakt på originalsprog:
This review investigates the persistent male bias in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence, exploring epidemiological, genetic, and neuroendocrinological factors to understand sex-differential risk. Recent findings confirm a higher ASD prevalence in males, but suggest females may present fewer restricted and repetitive behaviors and more externalizing issues, potentially masking diagnosis. Genetic research indicates females are less affected by inherited and de-novo ASD risk variants, hinting at protective mechanisms. Emerging evidence points to sex chromosomal genes and hormones, particularly testosterone, as modulators of genetic risk, influencing autistic phenotype expression. Despite these insights, no single mechanism fully explains the sex disparity. The review underscores the need for further research into how these genetic and hormonal factors confer risk in males and protection in females, aiming to clarify the biological underpinnings of ASD’s gender imbalance.