Gender differences in symptoms of comorbidity in toddlers with ASD using the BISCUIT-Part 2

Abstract

Objective: Examine if gender differences exist with respect to comorbid symptoms in young children with Autistic Disorder (AD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and atypical controls.

Design: A factorial MANOVA was conducted for the main analysis and follow-up post-hocs were conducted where significant differences were found.

Methods: The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits, Part 2 was administered to caregivers of 438 young children.

Results: The MANOVA was significant, F(10, 858) = 19.38, p < 0.001, Pillai's Trace = 0.37. No gender differences were found; however, diagnostic groups differed significantly on symptoms with AD exhibiting more symptoms than PDD-NOS, followed by atypical controls. No interaction between gender and diagnosis was found.

Conclusions: Those with AD exhibited greater comorbid symptoms which is consistent with previous research. Current finding also support previous literature which state that gender differences are evident only during certain periods in the lifespan.

• gender
• autism
• comorbidity
• BISCUIT
• infants

Objetivo: Examinar si existen diferencia en el género con respecto a síntomas comórbidos en niños pequeños con Trastorno Autístico (TA), Alteración del desarrollo penetrante no específico (PDD-NOS) y controles atípicos.

Diseño: Un factor MANOVA se condujo para el análisis principal y seguimiento post-hocs se condujeron, donde se encontraron diferencia significante.

Método: Se administró el screening para niños con rasgos autistas, a cuidadores de 438 niños pequeños.

Resultados: El MANOVA fue significante, F(10,858) = 19.38, P < 0.001. No se encontraron diferencias en el género, sin embargo, los grupos difirieron significantemente en síntomas con TA exhibiendo mayor síntomas que PDD-NOS, seguido de controles atípicos.

Conclusiones: Aquellos con TA presentaron mayores síntomas comorbidos que coinciden con la investigación previa y otros estudios, los cuales dicen que las diferencias en género son evidentes solo durante ciertos periodos de la vida.

Palabras claves: género, autismo, comorbilidad, BISCUIT, infantes