Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior.

It is estimated that around 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism in the United States, with the condition affecting boys more than girls – around five times as many boys are diagnosed than girls.

Why are boys more affected?

Although the reasons for this gender disparity are not yet fully understood, researchers have proposed several theories.

Biology

One hypothesis is that there may be a biological reason for the difference in prevalence between boys and girls. Some studies have suggested that males may be more genetically susceptible to developing autism.

For example, a recent study found that genetic mutations associated with autism are more likely to occur in males than females. It is possible that sex hormones may also play a role in the development of autism, as testosterone has been found to affect brain development and may contribute to the male bias in the condition.

Social Factors

Another theory is that social and cultural factors may contribute to the gender disparity in autism. Boys and girls are often raised differently, with boys encouraged to be more independent and less emotional than girls.

Related Article Autism: Gender Differences in Diagnosis

These gendered expectations may affect how boys and girls are assessed for autism, with boys more likely to display the stereotypically “male” traits associated with the condition. Girls with autism may be underdiagnosed, as they may present with different symptoms and may be better at masking or camouflaging their difficulties.

Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnostic criteria for autism may also play a role in the gender imbalance, as they were initially based on observations of mainly male children.

The diagnostic criteria have historically focused on the overt behaviors and interests that are more commonly seen in boys, such as repetitive movements, fixations on certain objects or topics, and difficulty with social interaction. As a result, girls with autism may be missed or misdiagnosed, as their symptoms may present differently.

Other Factors

Other factors that have been proposed to contribute to the gender disparity in autism include differences in brain development, environmental factors, and epigenetics.

Conclusion

While the reasons for the gender disparity in autism are not fully understood, it is clear that boys are more affected by the condition than girls.

Greater awareness of the different ways in which autism can present in girls may help to identify more cases of autism in girls and reduce the gender disparity.