A female-specific view on neurodevelopmental disorders

In the past decade it has become evident that the association of the neurodevelopmental disorders attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with being ‘male’ disorders, is not necessarily correct. Rather, the diagnostic criteria on which the identification of these disorders are based result from studies including predominantly male samples. Therefore, one might assume that such criteria are appropriate for diagnosing boys and men rather than girls and women and that females may not be identified. Recent findings show that there are very real and significant gender differences in the presentation of ASD, and that there may even be a distinct female ASD phenotype. Although girls with ADHD are also underdiagnosed, they appear to be identified sooner than girls with ASD and fewer suggestions of a distinct female ADHD phenotype have been made. The current PhD project aims to thoroughly review female-specific characteristics of the neurodevelopmental disorders ADHD and ASD.

Main project

This project is part of project "Social cognition and social skills in ADHD and ASD".

Researchers and partners

Behavioural and Social Sciences, Psychology

Drs. F.M. (Francien) Kok, Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology
prof.dr. O.M. (Oliver) Tucha, Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology
Dr. A.B.M. (Anselm) Fuermaier, Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology
Dr. Y. (Yvonne) Groen, Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology

Partners outside of the University of Groningen

Collaborators:
Autisme Team Noord-Nederland, Lentis Psychiatric Institute:
Dr. Sigrid Piening
Dr. Inge van Balkom

Education

Selection of BA and MA student projects

Literature review of gender differences in cognition, phenomenology, treatment of ASD and ADHD
Empathy in girls/women with ASD

Results

Publications

Kok, F. M., Groen, Y., Fuermaier, A. B. M., & Tucha, O. (2016). Problematic Peer Functioning in Girls with ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review. PLoS ONE, 11(11), [0165119]. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165119
Kok, F. M., Groen, Y., Becke, M., Fuermaier, A. B. M., & Tucha, O. (2016). Self-reported empathy in adult women with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A systematic mini review. PLoS ONE, 11(3), [e0151568]. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151568

Successful grant proposals and other achievements

Presentations:
Kok, F. M., Groen, Y., Becke, M., Fuermaier, A., & Tucha, O. (2016). Self-reported empathy in adults women with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A systematic mini review. Poster session presented at 16e Nationaal Autisme Congres, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

University's focus areas

Healthy Ageing