Cognition and Neuropsychological Profiles

Clinical heterogeneity of ASD phenotypes conveys itself in the cognitive and neuropsychological profiles within both sexes/genders. Thus, the definition of characteristics in sex/gender profiles in terms of intellectual quotient, executive functions, theory of mind and language and motor skills constitutes an essential contribution for understanding the female autistic clinical phenotype. More sex/gender-related differences between females and males are generally described in ASD individuals with lower autistic symptoms and higher intelligence scores, with a female superiority regarding verbal language, processing speed and pragmatic and social abilities, but not gross motor skills. Within this chapter, we address this topic in order to promote more sex/gender-oriented interventions.