title: Do early caregiver concerns differ for girls with autism spectrum disorders?
abstract: Given that early caregiver concerns may be different for children who go on to receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder versus another developmental disability, early caregiver concerns may differ for girls. Using a community-based sample of children (n = 241), we examined the extent to which gender differences may be related to caregiver concerns prior to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disability. Participants were matched on chronological age, and cognitive functioning did not differ across groups. Using caregiver concern data, results showed that boys with autism spectrum disorder showed increased social interaction concerns; overall, autism spectrum disorder-related concerns did not differentiate those with autism spectrum disorder from developmental disability. Children with developmental disability, however, showed increased general developmental concerns as compared to those with autism spectrum disorder. Young girls with autism spectrum disorder may demonstrate behaviors that are not particularly salient or concerning for parents; future research may investigate the behaviors that differentiate girls with autism spectrum disorder early in development.
authors.affiliation: University of Kansas Medical Center, USA.
authors.forename: Lauren M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Little
authors.affiliation: University of Kansas Medical Center, USA.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wallisch
authors.affiliation: University of Kansas Medical Center, USA.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Salley
authors.affiliation: University of Kansas Medical Center, USA.
authors.forename: Rene
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jamison
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012919:Social Behavior
keywords: autism spectrum disorders; early concerns; sex differences