Q8. Why are there more boys with autism compared to girls?
A8. This is difficult to say. It may be that previous diagnoses of autism are based upon the behaviour of boys who tend to display signs of autism more readily than girls.
Behavioural characteristics such as aggression, hyperactivity, an obsessive interest in an object or hobby and a preference for being alone are seen as male behavioural traits rather than female ones.
When girls exhibit this behaviour it is not always seen as autism. Plus girls are considered to have better social and language skills than boys which mean that any indications of autism can be missed.
It may be the case that girls are better at hiding the symptoms of autism compared to boys.
The symptoms of autism are associated with being male rather than female.
Another theory is that girls inherit a gene which appears to protect them against autism.
Find out more in our autistic spectrum disorders section.
Autism FAQs:
- Q1. What is autism?
- Q2. Is there more than one type of autism?
- Q3. Why are there more children with autism than adults?
- Q4. What causes autism?
- Q5. What are the symptoms of autism?
- Q6. How do you diagnose autism?
- Q7. How common is autism?
- Q8. Why are there more boys with autism compared to girls?
- Q9. Can you cure autism?
- Q10. How do you treat autism?
- Q11. What is 'SPELL?'
- Q12. What is 'TEACCH?'
- Q13. How do parents cope with autism?
- Q14. How does an autistic adult manage their condition?
- Q15. Do autistic people have other medical conditions?
Guide to Autism
- Guide to Autism
- What is autism?
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Mild Autism
- Classic Autism
- High Functioning Autism
- Regressive Autism
- Asperger's Syndrome
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
- Rett's Syndrome
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder
- Facts and figures about autism
- Causes of autism
- Symptoms of autism
- Diagnosing autism
- Diagnosing autism in adults
- Diagnosing autism in children
- CHAT screening test
- ASD assessment
- Private assessment
- Diagnostic report
- Treatment for autism
- Applied behavioural analysis
- Auditory integration training
- Building relationships
- Communication with others
- Complimentary therapy
- Developing social skills
- Diet and supplements
- Medication
- Speech and language therapy
- SPELL
- TEACCH
- Living with autism
- Adults with autism
- Accommodation
- Benefits and money
- Community support services
- Coping on a day to day level
- Employment
- Children with autism
- Behavioural issues
- Dealing with change
- Dietary issues
- Education