This study aims to explore the gender differences in the presentation of autism and the barriers which prevent individuals from receiving an autism diagnosis in early childhood. Existing research has identified the benefits of an early autism diagnosis such as improved quality of life because of better access to services/supports and more positive self-identities. Generally, when compared with cisgender males, individuals who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are at an increased risk of remaining undiagnosed, because of masking or other factors which may disguise or “camouflage” behaviours. This research will explore the impacts of individual resilience and co-occurring diagnoses on age of diagnosis and autism presentation, and whether this explains the ‘gender gap’ in autism diagnoses.

Participants will be invited to complete an online survey through online platform Qualtrics, which will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The survey will first comprise of a brief demographic questionnaire, confirming the participants gender identity, whether they had received a diagnosis of Autism, and the age at which this diagnosis occurred. Participants will then complete the following standardised measures including the AQ-10, an autism screening measure, measures of potentially co-occurring conditions, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ASRS), depression and anxiety (DASS-21), eating disorders (EAT-26) and individual levels of resilience (CD-RISC).

Name of Organization:
Trinity College Dublin

For questions, please email::
[email protected]

Study Link: 
https://tcdecon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bBHECTh0u705Be6