Zand, Marije in 't (2024) Are there gender differences in sensory sensitivity and ASD characteristics in emerging adults? Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication/interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour. Sensory processing abnormalities, including hyper- and hyposensitivity, are a symptom under the latter diagnostic criterion. This study investigated gender differences in ASD traits and sensory sensitivity (hyper- and hyposensitivity) in emerging adults, addressing the underexplored area of gender differences in ASD prevalence and presentation within this age group. A convenience sample of 112 emerging adults (ages 18-25) was recruited, including 17 men and 95 women. Participants completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient-Short (AQ-Short) to assess ASD traits and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) to evaluate sensory sensitivity. No significant gender differences were found in overall ASD traits or hyposensitivity. However, women scored significantly higher than men in hypersensitivity. Although no significant association was found between ASD traits and hyposensitivity, a regression analysis indicated that higher ASD traits were associated with increased hypersensitivity, regardless of gender. No interaction effect was found between gender and ASD traits on sensory sensitivity. The findings of this study contribute to a more nuanced understanding of gender differences in ASD traits and sensory sensitivity.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Gaastra, G.F. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Oct 2024 10:02 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Oct 2024 10:02 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4412 |
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