LAUSR

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social communication and poor adaptation to change; thus, pubertal development may be precarious. Pubertal timing and tempo were measured in 244 youth (7.9% Black, 83.3% White, and 8.7% multiracial) with ASD (N = 140) and typical development (N = 104). Pubertal development was measured using Tanner staging of Genital (G, males), Breast (B, females), and pubic hair (PH) in both sexes at Year 1 (10–13 years), Year 2 (11–14 years), and Year 3 (12–15 years). Nonlinear mixed effects models analyzed interindividual differences in timing and tempo. For both sexes, ASD and higher body mass index were associated with earlier pubertal timing. Males generally exhibited faster tempo than females. Linear regression models did not show associations between pubertal timing and internalizing symptoms at time three. Findings showing advanced pubertal maturation in ASD youth suggest greater risk of psychological, social, and physiological challenges.