Differences in Presentation and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Boys and Girls: Health Professionals' Perception

The document presents findings from two separate studies. The first study involved 100 parents or guardians and found that 86% reported an increase in their children's digital screen use during the COVID-19 pandemic, with smartphones being the most used device. The increase was linked to factors such as gender, education, teaching model, and family income, and was associated with various clinical complaints like headache and insomnia. The second study focused on the presentation and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in boys and girls, based on the perceptions of 23 health professionals. It revealed that certain ASD symptoms, such as the ability to mask clinical manifestations with learned strategies, were more common in girls. The study suggests that current diagnostic tools may not adequately capture the distinct symptomatology in females, potentially leading to delayed or missed diagnoses. It emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive diagnostic tools and early intervention to improve outcomes for individuals with ASD.