B – 129 The impact of gender on the Autism Spectrum Rating Scales™ Adult (ASRS® Adult) scores in autistic adults

Abstract Objective Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interactions and communication, along with the presence of unusual, repetitive, or restrictive behaviors. Diagnoses primarily occur in childhood, but rates have recently increased among young adults and females (Grosvenor et al., 2024). Gender-sensitive tools are essential because women often mask symptoms to conform to societal norms (Bargiela et al., 2016), as women with ASD (n = 28) scored higher in camouflaging but not on overall scales after statistical corrections (Schuck et al., 2019). This study expands on previous research by utilizing a larger sample size to examine the impact of gender on ASD behavior in adults. Method The ASRS Adult is a new rating scale designed for individuals 18 and older, comprising 96 items. This scale generates a Total Score that consists of two ASRS Adult scales (Social/Communication and Unusual Behaviors), as well as a DSM/ICD Scale, and 10 Treatment scales. The sample included 121 autistic adults who virtually completed the self-report and 62 observers who virtually rated an adult with ASD. Results Unlike previous research, gender was not a significant factor in the Camouflaging scale after Bonferroni corrections. In fact, gender had minimal impact on the ASRS Adult scores, although females scored higher on the Sensory Sensitivity and Anxiety scales in both self-report and observer ratings. Conclusion Findings highlight the tool’s usefulness for identifying ASD behaviors regardless of gender, but further research is needed to explore gender-related manifestations of ASD and comorbidities (Edwards et al., 2024).