Gendered play behaviours in autistic and non-autistic children: A population-based cohort study.

This study looked at how autistic and non-autistic children play with toys typically seen as 'boy toys' or 'girl toys' at different ages. Autistic girls played similarly to non-autistic girls, showing more interest in feminine toys as they grew older. However, autistic boys were less likely to play with masculine toys compared to other boys, and this difference became clear around 3.5 years old. The findings suggest autistic boys may have different play preferences that don't follow typical gender patterns.

This population-based cohort study examined gendered play behaviours in autistic and non-autistic children across multiple developmental timepoints (30, 42, 57 months, and 8 years). Parents and children reported on play behaviours categorised as masculine or feminine. Results showed no differences between autistic and non-autistic girls, with both groups displaying increasingly feminine play patterns over time. However, autistic boys demonstrated significantly less masculine play behaviours compared to non-autistic boys from 42 months onwards, and did not show the typical developmental increase in masculine play seen in non-autistic boys.

The study suggests critical differences in gendered play development may emerge around 42 months of age specifically for autistic boys.

Findings suggest clinicians should consider individual play preferences rather than expecting typical gendered patterns in autistic boys. The 42-month timepoint may be important for developmental assessment. Results support accepting diverse play interests in autistic children and avoiding assumptions about 'appropriate' play based on gender norms.

Sample size not reported, limiting assessment of study power. Study type unclear, preventing full methodological evaluation. Relies on parent and child reports which may introduce bias. Limited details on autism diagnosis criteria or participant characteristics provided in abstract.

Non-autistic children tend to show gendered patterns of play behaviours - boys are more likely to play with 'masculine' toys, and girls are more likely to play with 'feminine' toys. However, little is known about whether autistic children follow these patterns as well. We looked at the masculinity and femininity of autistic and non-autistic children's play behaviours at multiple time points. Parents reported their children's play behaviours at ages 30, 42 and 57 months, and children reported their own play behaviours at 8 years old.

We found no difference between autistic and non-autistic girls, who both showed more feminine play behaviours as they got older. Autistic boys' play behaviours were reported as less masculine than non-autistic boys at 42 and 57 months, and at 8 years old. We also found that non-autistic boys' play tended to become more masculine as they got older, but this was not the case for autistic boys. Our findings suggest that differences in autistic and non-autistic boys' play behaviours may develop at around 42 months old.