Investigating Disparity Between Females and Males Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Communication Disorders
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Stephanie Schaaf, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this research is to investigate the disparity in the ratio of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in females compared to males and the impacts a diagnosis or lack thereof would have on one’s communicative success. There is a notable difference in the number of males diagnosed with ASD compared to females with males being significantly higher. While it used to be thought that males were more likely to have the disorder, current research shows this is not the case. Rather, misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose lead to this disproportionate ratio. The symptoms of ASD in females are presented in a different manner than in males making accurate and early diagnosis a challenge. When a female with ASD is overlooked, they risk not receiving guidance or intervention to address individual needs and increase performance in the area of communication. Individuals with ASD demonstrate poor pragmatic skills that affect multiple facets inhibiting one from reaching their full potential across academic, social and professional settings. To further understand the disparity and impacts on individuals with ASD, additional research in the field of communication disorders is warranted.
Start Date
12-11-2018 11:00 AM
Fall Scholars Week 2018 Event
Communication Disorders Panel
Investigating Disparity Between Females and Males Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder
The purpose of this research is to investigate the disparity in the ratio of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in females compared to males and the impacts a diagnosis or lack thereof would have on one’s communicative success. There is a notable difference in the number of males diagnosed with ASD compared to females with males being significantly higher. While it used to be thought that males were more likely to have the disorder, current research shows this is not the case. Rather, misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose lead to this disproportionate ratio. The symptoms of ASD in females are presented in a different manner than in males making accurate and early diagnosis a challenge. When a female with ASD is overlooked, they risk not receiving guidance or intervention to address individual needs and increase performance in the area of communication. Individuals with ASD demonstrate poor pragmatic skills that affect multiple facets inhibiting one from reaching their full potential across academic, social and professional settings. To further understand the disparity and impacts on individuals with ASD, additional research in the field of communication disorders is warranted.