Gender differences in high-functioning autism: implications in everyday life and clinical settings

Gender differences in autism spectrum disorder have been extensively investigated; however, reviews on gender differences in individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum conditions are still limited. This review summarizes gender differences in intelligence quotient, functional adaptation, executive function, social and cultural expectations, language and pragmatic skills, core symptoms (communication/social interaction, and restricted/repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities), neurobiology and their implications on diagnosis and treatment selection. Current literature shows the need to identify precise diagnostic tools that may reduce the gender bias in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. A lack of diagnosis or a misdiagnosis leads to inappropriate treatment that may have negative consequences on the individual’s development. Directions for future research focuses are provided and the implications in clinical settings are discussed with the aim of identifying points for consideration in order to improve the everyday life of females and males with a high-functioning autism spectrum condition