Abstract

Gender is a socially derived construct that is taught and understood at young ages. However, not every individual has the same social skills to understand these seen and unseen social cues about gender. The Bem Sex-Role Inventory was given to adult individuals with autism in the United States to better understand their masculine, feminine, and androgenous perceptions. These data were then compared to the original Bem Sex-Role Inventory general population study to see if there were any differences. The data show that males with autism had lower masculine scores and higher feminine scores than males in the general population. Females with autism had no differences compared to females in the general population. The age of gender identification was also collected and showed no major differences to gender identity formation; however, some suggestion can be made that older individuals may perceive their age of gender identity differently than younger individuals. The implications of this allow future research to focus on how masculinity and femininity traits are socially taught among young children.

Degree

EdS

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Counseling Psychology and Special Education

Rights

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