Perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment and Gender Roles: A Qualitative Study of Similarities and Differences between Sexes

Sigrid Piening (), Ingrid D. C. van Balkom, Anne Fleur Stapert, Daria Henning, Kirstin Greaves-Lord, Lineke R. C. D. Davids, Stynke Castelein and Yvonne Groen
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Sigrid Piening: Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism of Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands
Ingrid D. C. van Balkom: Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism of Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands
Anne Fleur Stapert: Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism of Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands
Daria Henning: Outpatient Clinic for the Elderly, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9725 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
Kirstin Greaves-Lord: Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism of Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands
Lineke R. C. D. Davids: Medical Psychology, Martini Hospital, 9700 RM Groningen, The Netherlands
Stynke Castelein: Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
Yvonne Groen: Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 24, 1-16

Abstract: This study aims to compare the experiences of women and men of different age groups with regard to their first autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and gender roles to inform our understanding in clinical practice of differences as well as similarities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst 22 women ( n = 12) and men ( n = 10) in three adult age groups regarding their diagnostic process, symptoms, treatment, and gender roles. Participants also filled out questionnaires on gender traits, social support, coping, and quality of life. Framework analysis guidelines were followed to identify subthemes within the three pre-defined key themes of the semi-structured interviews, and quantitative analyses were performed on the questionnaire results. Women often had caregiver roles and were more focused on social and family-oriented life aspects than men. Family and societal expectations may have been different for women from an early age onward and were considered burdensome by some, but not all. Views on ASD diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment were largely individually determined. The questionnaire results mostly showed no significant sex differences. Perceived gender roles differed between participants. In diagnosis and treatment, awareness of general gender differences and gender roles is important, but inter-individual differences and similar experiences in men should not be overlooked.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; gender role; qualitative research; life change events (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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