Behavioural Phenotypes of Autism in Autistic and Nonautistic Gender Clinic-Referred Youth and Their Caregivers
Saved in:
| Title: | Behavioural Phenotypes of Autism in Autistic and Nonautistic Gender Clinic-Referred Youth and Their Caregivers |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Aimilia Kallitsounaki (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2026 30(1):163-175. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 13 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Autism Spectrum Disorders, LGBTQ People, Children, Adolescents, Individual Characteristics, Caregivers, Clinics, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Parents, Clinical Diagnosis, Intelligence Tests, Heredity, Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: | United Kingdom |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Autism Spectrum Quotient, Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613251379920 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | In recent years, referrals of youth to specialised gender services have risen sharply, with [approximately]11% of these youth diagnosed as autistic compared with a general population rate of [approximately]1%. In two preregistered studies, we addressed this insufficiently understood intersection. In Study 1, we examined the number and developmental trajectory of autism traits in autistic and nonautistic gender clinic-referred and cisgender youth (aged 7-16 years) using both screening measures (Autism-Spectrum Quotient Children's Version and Autism-Spectrum Quotient Adolescent Version, Social Communication Questionnaire--Lifetime) and diagnostic tools (Autism Diagnostic Interview--Revised, Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism). In Study 2, we examined autism traits among the caregivers of participants from each group using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Adolescent Version. Study 1 results showed the autism phenotype in autistic gender clinic-referred youth closely resembled that of their cisgender autistic peers. In addition, after addressing methodological limitations in previous research, we found no evidence of elevated autism traits in nonautistic gender clinic-referred youth, challenging findings of some earlier studies. Study 2 provided evidence of familial aggregation of both autism traits and diagnoses among caregivers of both autistic gender clinic-referred and cisgender participants. Taken together, these findings challenge the hypothesis that autism in gender-diverse youth is merely a 'phenomimic' of autism and provide valuable clinical insights into the presentation of autism in this population. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1494103 |
| Database: | ERIC |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | In recent years, referrals of youth to specialised gender services have risen sharply, with [approximately]11% of these youth diagnosed as autistic compared with a general population rate of [approximately]1%. In two preregistered studies, we addressed this insufficiently understood intersection. In Study 1, we examined the number and developmental trajectory of autism traits in autistic and nonautistic gender clinic-referred and cisgender youth (aged 7-16 years) using both screening measures (Autism-Spectrum Quotient Children's Version and Autism-Spectrum Quotient Adolescent Version, Social Communication Questionnaire--Lifetime) and diagnostic tools (Autism Diagnostic Interview--Revised, Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism). In Study 2, we examined autism traits among the caregivers of participants from each group using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Adolescent Version. Study 1 results showed the autism phenotype in autistic gender clinic-referred youth closely resembled that of their cisgender autistic peers. In addition, after addressing methodological limitations in previous research, we found no evidence of elevated autism traits in nonautistic gender clinic-referred youth, challenging findings of some earlier studies. Study 2 provided evidence of familial aggregation of both autism traits and diagnoses among caregivers of both autistic gender clinic-referred and cisgender participants. Taken together, these findings challenge the hypothesis that autism in gender-diverse youth is merely a 'phenomimic' of autism and provide valuable clinical insights into the presentation of autism in this population. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613251379920 |
