Program

Special Education M.A.

Number of Pages

56

Year Approved

2023

First Advisor

Larson, Susan

Second Reader

Michael Mignard

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by a developmental disorder with multiple variations of severity which are characterized by the difficulties in communication, social interactions, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior. In the United States 1 in every 36 (2.3%) children over eight years has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Male students are diagnosed more frequently than their female counterparts. Evidence suggests that 1 in 27 males were identified with autism whereas 1 in 116 females were identified with autism. Males are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than females. Recent diagnostic criteria indicated that genetics were involved in almost all of the reported cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups. This literature review explores gender differences in ASD along with, indicators of autism, diagnosis, camouflaging, social and emotional behaviors, and communication.

Degree Name

Special Education M.A.

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

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