G486(P) Is the gender gap in autism changing

Abstract

Aim The higher rate of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in males than females has been one of the most consistent findings. An average of 4:1 ratio has been consistently reported in several studies. However; there is little research focusing on the reasons for this disparity. Many authors relate the gender bias to the ability of girls to camouflage their symptoms. This study is attempting to measure any change in the size of the gap in our local ASD community in line with the change in population demographics over the last 8 years. Methods Our locality is a large Town that has a highly diverse and highly mobile multi-ethnic community. It has a high level of both internal and international migration. Children aged 0–19 years with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders were recruited from the electronic database of our local NHS records (2009 −2017). We analysed data (n=1370) by age at diagnosis and sex of the child over a period of 8 years. Results The overall annual trend of the diagnosis of autism was rising steadily but the average ratio between males and females remained constant around 5:1. White children constituted the largest ethnic group at 54% Conclusion Gender difference between boys and girls with autism has not changed despite the significant change in demographics of our population over the period of 8 years, the increased level of public awareness of the condition and the improvement of professionals’ ability in early detection and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders. Further research is required to explain this gap