Yes, autism is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls. Studies show that boys are about four times more likely to be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) than girls. However, the reasons for this gender disparity are still being researched.
One theory is that autism may present differently in girls, making it harder to recognize. Girls with autism often have better social imitation skills and may exhibit fewer obvious repetitive behaviors than boys, which can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Additionally, genetic and hormonal factors might also play a role in the higher prevalence of autism in boys.
Despite this, it’s important to remember that autism affects individuals of all genders, and early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for everyone. Whether the child is a boy or a girl, early intervention programs like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can be highly effective in helping children with autism develop essential skills.
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SOURCES:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3114757/
https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html
https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd
https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/why-are-boys-diagnosed-with-autism-more-than-girls
https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/autisms-sex-ratio-explained/