Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have long been viewed as predominantly male diagnoses. Based on foundational studies for these disorders, not only are they more prevalent in male children, but symptom severity is also higher in male children. In attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in particular, it has become a common assumption that hyperactive/impulsive and combined types are ‘male’ ADHD presentations, while the inattentive type corresponds to the few female children who meet diagnostic criteria. However, emerging research looking at the decrease in autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder prevalence rates between gender in adulthood suggests that these neurodevelopmental disorders may be more common in women than we previously thought. This doctoral project seeks to explore recent research looking at the possible underdiagnosis and/or misdiagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as well as review proposed differences in symptom presentations between males and females with these disorders. Possible explanations for differences between symptom presentations are explored through a biopsychosocial lens and calls for further research in this area are made.

Faculty Mentor

Maggie Freeman, Psy.D.

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

MyraBeth Bundy, Ph.D.

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Theresa Botts, Ph.D.

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS