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The objective of this study was to determine the clinical features that moderate a later age at ASD diagnosis in females in a large sample of females with ASD. Within two large and independent ASD datasets (>20,000 females), females were first diagnosed with ASD 14-months later relative to males. This later age at diagnosis was moderated by a mild or atypical presentation, wherein repetitive behaviors were limited, IQ and language were broadly intact, and recognized symptoms emerged later in development. Females are at risk for a later age at ASD diagnosis and treatment implementation, and modification of early childhood ASD screening methods for females may be warranted.

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical features that moderate a later age at ASD diagnosis in females in a large sample of females with ASD. Within two large and independent ASD datasets (> 20,000 females), females were first diagnosed with ASD 14-months later relative to males. This later age at diagnosis was moderated by a mild or atypical presentation, wherein repetitive behaviors were limited, IQ and language were broadly intact, and recognized symptoms emerged later in development. Females are at risk for a later age at ASD diagnosis and treatment implementation, and modification of early childhood ASD screening methods for females may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]