Autism Spectrum Disorder: Prevalence and Symptoms’ Onset

Whether autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is effectively less represented in females or it is underestimated in this sex/gender remains an open question and objective of a growing body of research. Understanding how and when autism symptoms arise within sexes/genders definitely contributes to the definition of a female autistic phenotype with essential implications. Within this chapter, we summarize the main available knowledge on the topic ranging from the current prevalence to the possible nosological and clinical reason for this data including the role of intellectual quotient and adaptive skills together with the employment of male-biased instruments.