Abstract
Research has consistently reported a higher rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses in males than in females, but until recently, the impact of sex/gender differences has received little attention from applied behavior analysts. The underlying reasons for the difference in rates of diagnosis could be related to genetic or hormonal differences, sociocultural expectations of behavior based on sex/gender norms, or biases built into the assessment and observation of ASD symptoms. It is necessary to engage in further discussion and research in order to improve the treatment and quality of life of persons with ASD because misdiagnosis or late diagnosis can delay the start of early intervention and limit its proven benefits. Furthermore, differences in symptom presentation can impact interventions selected. We suggest that applied behavior analysts should be knowledgeable of these issues and the implications they may have on the field of applied behavior analysis in general.
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Bryan J. Blair declares that he has no conflict of interest. Sam Blanco declares that she has no conflict of interest. Fernande Ikombo-Deguenon declares that she has no conflict of interest. Alyssa Belcastro declares that she has no conflict of interest.
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Blair, B.J., Blanco, S., Ikombo-Deguenon, F. et al. Sex/Gender Phenotypes and the Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for Applied Behavior Analysts. Behav Analysis Practice 13, 263–269 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-019-00376-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-019-00376-z