Date of Award

1-1-2021

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of Psychology

Program

Clinical Psychology

Content Description

1 online resource (vi, 82 pages)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Kristin V Christodulu

Committee Members

Melissa L Rinadli, Betty Lin

Keywords

autism spectrum disorder, camouflaging, female, gender differences, Autism, Children with autism spectrum disorders, Autism in adolescence, Adaptability (Psychology), Social adjustment

Subject Categories

Psychology

Abstract

Females with autism spectrum disorder are an underrepresented group in the autism literature that is in need of greater understanding. Growing evidence suggests that autistic females have a unique clinical presentation of symptoms and they are more frequently camouflaging their autism characteristics to fit in with peers. While support for social camouflaging theory builds, little attention has been paid to the effects of camouflaging on outcomes for females with autism. The current study proposes that females with autism will demonstrate greater use of camouflaging behaviors and that camouflaging behaviors will predict adverse outcomes for these women. Specific outcomes addressed in the proposed study will include mental health, quality of life, and substance use. Camouflaging behaviors and their outcomes will be compared among autistic females, autistic males, and typically developing females and males.

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