In which population is autism more commonly diagnosed?

In which population is autism more commonly diagnosed?

• A. Girls compared to boys
• B. Boys compared to girls
• C. Adults compared to children
• D. White non-Hispanic individuals

Answer: (B)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is significantly more commonly diagnosed in boys than in girls. Research indicates that boys are diagnosed with autism at a rate approximately four times higher than that of girls. This difference in diagnosis has prompted various theories, including biological, genetic, and social factors that contribute to the higher prevalence observed in boys. Additionally, while girls can be diagnosed with autism, they may present differently than boys and sometimes may not be diagnosed until later in life due to subtler manifestations of the disorder. This phenomenon contributes to the perception that autism is less common in females, even though it is believed that girls may exhibit similar rates of autism but may be underdiagnosed due to differences in presentation. The other options do not reflect the established statistics and understandings of autism prevalence. For instance, while there are variations in diagnosis among different ethnic groups, the disparity between boys and girls remains a more significant and widely recognized finding in autism research.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is significantly more commonly diagnosed in boys than in girls. Research indicates that boys are diagnosed with autism at a rate approximately four times higher than that of girls. This difference in diagnosis has prompted various theories, including biological, genetic, and social factors that contribute to the higher prevalence observed in boys.

Additionally, while girls can be diagnosed with autism, they may present differently than boys and sometimes may not be diagnosed until later in life due to subtler manifestations of the disorder. This phenomenon contributes to the perception that autism is less common in females, even though it is believed that girls may exhibit similar rates of autism but may be underdiagnosed due to differences in presentation.

The other options do not reflect the established statistics and understandings of autism prevalence. For instance, while there are variations in diagnosis among different ethnic groups, the disparity between boys and girls remains a more significant and widely recognized finding in autism research.