The Diagnosis and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Adult Females in the Presence or Absence of an Intellectual Disability

Rujeedawa, Tanzil; Zaman, Shahid H.

doi:10.3390/ijerph19031315

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The Diagnosis and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Adult Females in the Presence or Absence of an Intellectual Disability

Tanzil Rujeedawa

and

Shahid H. Zaman

Cambridge Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 8AH, UK

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Academic Editor: Paul B. Tchounwou

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031315

Received: 21 December 2021 / Revised: 14 January 2022 / Accepted: 20 January 2022 / Published: 25 January 2022

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation in Health Services for Patients with Intellectual Disability and Mental Health Problems)

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Abstract

We review the reasons for the greater male predominance in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in the non-intellectual disabled population and compare it to autism diagnosed in intellectually disabled individuals. Accurate and timely diagnosis is important, as it reduces health inequalities. Females often present later for the diagnosis. The differences are in core features, such as in social reciprocal interaction through ‘camouflaging’ and restricted repetitive behaviours, that are less noticeable in females and are potentially explained by the biological differences (female protective effect theory) and/or differences in presentation between the two sexes (female autism phenotype theory). Females more often present with internalising co-occurring conditions than males. We review these theories, highlighting the key differences and the impact of a diagnosis on females. We review methods to potentially improve diagnosis in females along with current and future management strategies. View Full-Text

Keywords: autism; female; intellectual disability

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Rujeedawa, T.; Zaman, S.H. The Diagnosis and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Adult Females in the Presence or Absence of an Intellectual Disability. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 1315. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031315

AMA Style

Rujeedawa T, Zaman SH. The Diagnosis and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Adult Females in the Presence or Absence of an Intellectual Disability. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(3):1315. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031315

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rujeedawa, Tanzil, and Shahid H. Zaman. 2022. "The Diagnosis and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Adult Females in the Presence or Absence of an Intellectual Disability" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 3: 1315. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031315

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The Diagnosis and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Adult Females in the Presence or Absence of an Intellectual Disability

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