Evidence suggests an excess of males over females with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), most research having focussed on boys and men. It is also suggested that the autistic brain is an exaggerated form of the neurotypical male, with high systematising and low empathising abilities. Females with ASD often present with other problems such as anorexia nervosa, paranoid disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many specialists believe that the different presentation results in substantial underdiagnosis of females. Therefore it is proposed that there may be many unrecognised females on the autistic spectrum with social, communicatory and other psychological needs that go unrecognised and unmet.
The aim of this project is to evaluate the development, cognitive and psychological profile of a cohort of 120 females with ASD of different intellectual abilities and ages and to compare then with control group of 120 males in order to ascertain the challenges faced by this possibly under diagnosed and neglected yet needy group. Assessments will include the well-recognised Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) as well as cognitive and speech and language assessments to discover whether there are any fundamental differences in the autistic phenotype between the genders.
Funding Notes
MRC-supported 3 year full-time PhD Studentship commencing in October 2008 covering fees at Home/EU levels and providing a stipend at UK Research Council rates (up to approximately £15,000 per annum)
Applicants should have, or expect to be awarded by 30 September 2008 a first or upper second class honours degree or MSc/MRes in an appropriate discipline.
To apply, please go to http://www.sgul.ac.uk/studentships/ and return application form with two letters of reference.
The aim of this project is to evaluate the development, cognitive and psychological profile of a cohort of 120 females with ASD of different intellectual abilities and ages and to compare then with control group of 120 males in order to ascertain the challenges faced by this possibly under diagnosed and neglected yet needy group. Assessments will include the well-recognised Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) as well as cognitive and speech and language assessments to discover whether there are any fundamental differences in the autistic phenotype between the genders.
Funding Notes
MRC-supported 3 year full-time PhD Studentship commencing in October 2008 covering fees at Home/EU levels and providing a stipend at UK Research Council rates (up to approximately £15,000 per annum)
Applicants should have, or expect to be awarded by 30 September 2008 a first or upper second class honours degree or MSc/MRes in an appropriate discipline.
To apply, please go to http://www.sgul.ac.uk/studentships/ and return application form with two letters of reference.