Gender Differences in Anxiety and Peer Relationship Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (۲۰۲۰-۲۰۲۵)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is historically characterized by a significant male-to-female prevalence ratio, leading to a potential male bias in diagnostic criteria and clinical understanding. This meta-analysis investigates gender differences in internalizing symptoms, specifically anxiety, and social functioning, focusing on peer relationship problems, in children with ASD. Following PRISMA guidelines, we synthesized data from ۱۱ high-quality studies published between ۲۰۲۰ and ۲۰۲۵, retrieved from Google Scholar and international databases. Results indicate that autistic females exhibit significantly higher levels of anxiety symptoms (Hedges' g = ۰.۱۶, ۹۵% CI [۰.۱۰, ۰.۲۲]) compared to autistic males. Conversely, autistic females demonstrated fewer peer relationship problems and better social communication skills in narrow construct measures (Hedges' g = -۰.۲۶, ۹۵% CI [-۰.۳۴, -۰.۱۸]), suggesting a "social camouflaging" effect or a distinct female phenotype. These findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive diagnostic tools and tailored interventions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Autism Spectrum Disorder ، Gender Differences ، Anxiety ، Peer Relationships ، Meta-Analysis ، Social Camouflaging