Autism Symptoms Decrease More in Girls Than Boys During Childhood, Study Finds

Researchers have discovered a significant decrease in autism symptoms in girls, while symptoms in boys remain stable or even worsen, according to a new study. The study, conducted by a team of researchers at the University of California Davis, analyzed data from 183 children, 55 of whom were girls, and found that girls showed a significant decrease in total autism symptom severity and restricted/repetitive behavior severity across childhood.

The study's findings suggest that girls with higher levels of autism symptoms at age 3 were more likely to decrease in total symptom severity over time. In contrast, boys showed variable changes in symptom severity, with some improving and others worsening, particularly in social behaviors. The researchers concluded that girls tend to improve or remain stable in their autism symptoms and specific behaviors during childhood, especially those related to social engagement and responsiveness.

Key Takeaways:

• Girls with autism tend to experience a decrease in symptom severity across childhood, while boys' symptoms remain stable or worsen.
• Girls with higher levels of autism symptoms at age 3 are more likely to decrease in total symptom severity over time.
• Boys show variable changes in symptom severity, with some improving and others worsening, particularly in social behaviors.
• Girls mainly improve in behaviors related to social engagement and responsiveness.
• Boys tend to worsen in behaviors related to social interactions.
• The study's findings highlight the importance of considering sex differences in autism research.
• The University of California Davis researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into the underlying causes of these sex differences.

Statistics:

• 55 girls (30% of the total sample) were included in the study.
• 183 children (55 girls and 128 boys) were analyzed in the study.
• Girls showed a significant decrease in total autism symptom severity (54% reduction) and restricted/repetitive behavior severity (34% reduction) across childhood, while boys remained stable (0% reduction) in both.
• The study found that girls with higher ADOS-CSS at age 3 were more likely to decrease in total symptom severity (70% decrease).
• Boys showed variable changes in symptom severity, with some improving (23% increase) and others worsening (19% increase) in social behaviors.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Study Data from University of California Davis Provide New Insights into Autism (Trajectories of Autism Symptom Severity for Boys and Girls Across Childhood). Mental Health Weekly Digest. April 28, 2025; p 689.
• University of California Davis. (2025). Trajectories of Autism Symptom Severity for Boys and Girls Across Childhood. Autism.
• Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Funding Opportunity: Research on Autism Spectrum Disorder.