Psychiatry Research EG

Statistics on autism show that four times as many boys as girls are diagnosed with the disorder. There are several theories as to why autism appears to be more prevalent in boys than in girls. These theories involve both genetic factors and differences in how each sex manifests symptoms [1]. Autism, a developmental disorder that primarily affects communication and behavioral skills, is diagnosed four times more often in boys than in girls. Although professionals are not entirely sure why autism statistics show that the disorder appears to skew highly toward the male sex, there are some theories that attempt to explain the common phenomenon of autism in boys. One possibility is that autism has a genetic component that is more likely to affect the male brain. Some experts suggest that boys show symptoms and characteristics of autism in a more obvious manner than girls do, resulting in a disparity in the number of diagnoses made [2]. The autism-related characteristics that are most often associated with boys are aggression, hyperactivity, and social immaturity. Boys who are on the autism spectrum often show negative behaviors in an external manner while at school or at home, making the disorder easier for teachers and parents to identify and seek treatment for. Boys are much less likely than girls to mask their autistic traits by copying the social behaviors that are shown by neurotypical children. This theory suggests that autism may not in actuality occur more frequently in boys, but that girls are often underdiagnosed because of their tendency to internalize certain symptoms [3]. Brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can be very useful in the evaluation of autism but, given the considerations mentioned above, it is not surprising that for all practical purposes, there is no typical pattern for it. However, because brain SPECT is able to identify areas of hyperperfusion and/or hypoperfusion (e.g. overactivity or underactivity), it can be useful to the neuropsychiatrist for optimizing the treatment strategy. As is the case in other child and adolescent neuropsychiatric disorders, treatment of the comorbidity goes a long way toward improving the quality of life of the patient and the family.