This article reflects that community language preference.
Diagnosis of Autism in Boys
Psychologists and psychiatrists often usepsychological assessmentsto diagnose autism.
Developmental specialists can also assess for autism in young children.
Maskot / Getty Images
Boys engage in less masking behavior than other genders, which can make the diagnostic process easier.
This refers to how much support the individual needs so that function and thrive.
In the DSM-5, individuals only needed to meet two out of the three social-communication criteria.
How Presentation Differs in Boys
The diagnostic criteria for autism does not differentiate by gender.
However, much research that went into developing this criteria focuses on how autisticcisgenderboys tend to present.
Becauseresearchhas historically focused on symptom presentation in boys, the current diagnostic criteria is likely to manifest in boys.
What Causes Autism?
Researchers do not fully understand what causesautismand cannot accurately predict who will or will not be autistic.
However, because autistic people are born this way, it is highly likely that autism has a stronggeneticcomponent.
How Is Autism Treated?
This can additionally help in identifying masking behaviors, which can be stressful and lead to burnout.
Many providers will recommend applied behavioral analysis (ABA) for autism, especially in children.
They may also benefit fromoccupational therapyto address sensory issues that cause distress or interfere with daily life.
2020;33(2):117-123.
2021;51(4):1353-1364.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed, text revision.
2021;25(4):862-873.
2022;220(4):202-209.
Autism spectrum disorder (Asd): Causes, symptoms, treatment & outlook.
J Child Psychol Psychiatry.
2016;57(5):585-95. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12499
Thapar, A., Rutter, M. Genetic Advances in Autism.
J Autism Dev Disord 51, 43214332 (2021).https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04685-z
Al-Beltagi M.Autism medical comorbidities.WJCP.
2021;10(3):15-28.
2020;13(6):998-1010.
2019;6(1):1641258.
