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New study analyses gender, autism and play behaviour in children
Freya Lucas
Oct 10, 2024
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Gender nonconformity in seven year olds, as measured by levels of gender-conforming play, may be associated with autistic traits and behavioural difficulties in girls, and with peer relationship problems in boys, according to a new Swedish study.
The study analysed play behaviour, behavioural outcomes, and autistic traits in more than 700 children in Sweden, and was led by Marlene Stratmann of Karlstad University.Gender nonconformity (GNC) refers to variations in gender expression from societal and cultural gender norms. In childhood, GNC can manifest itself in several ways, including play behaviour, peer relationships, clothing, and body language.
While childhood GNC does not directly indicate the development of gender dysphoria (GD) later in life, the phenomena are linked.
Recently, studies have begun to establish a high co-occurrence of GNC, GD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
However the bulk of this work has been carried out in clinical populations with existing diagnoses, which may lead to an overestimation of the associations between GNC and autistic traits and behavioural difficulties in a non-clinical population.
For the new study the researchers analysed data on 718 children enrolled in the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal, Mother and Child, Asthma and Allergy (SELMA) study for which there was data on play behaviour and behavioural outcomes.
GNC play behaviour was determined using the Preschool Activities Inventory, which includes 12 "feminine" and 12 "masculine" toys, play activities and child characteristics.
In both sexes, higher levels of gender nonconforming play was associated with increased behavioural difficulties.
Higher masculine play behaviour scores were associated with hyperactivity and inattention in both sexes.
Higher feminine play scores in boys were associated with peer relationship problems, while higher masculine play scores in girls were associated with increased likelihood of autistic traits and behavioural difficulties.
Researchers called for caution when interpreting the results, noting that the study involves a sample of children of only one age in a single country, and cannot be used to draw any conclusions as to causation.
Despite this, the authors conceede that gender nonconformity may be associated with behavioural challenges and difficulties in both sexes, even in children without any diagnoses.
"The results showed that children who played more with toys traditionally considered for the opposite gender had more autistic traits and behavioural problems. At the same time it is very important to keep in mind that just because a girl decides to play rougher or a boy plays with dolls, it does not mean that there will be a link to behavioural difficulties or autistic traits in this child," they note.
Access Gender-specific play behavior in relation to autistic traits and behavioral difficulties at the age of seven in the SELMA study here.
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