Autism and Gender: Examining Special Educators' Perceptions of Female Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder

• In Event: Autism and Intersectionality: Varying Perspectives in Research

Abstract

There appears to be a gender bias in that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is 4 to 5 times more likely to occur in boys than in girls (CDC, 2020). This study sought to examine and understand the ASD-gender phenomenon based on the perception of secondary teachers. This study used semi-structured 1:1 interviews to examine the perceptions of 16 middle and high school teachers who work(ed) with students suspected of and/or diagnosed with ASD. During the interviews, participants described the cognitive and behavioral needs of female students, spoke to gender differences and similarities of male and female students, and described supports that they have used in supporting their students.

Authors

• Nicole Farrow, KIPP DC

• Elisabeth K. Rice, The George Washington University