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Fetal Testosterone in Mind: Implications for Autism

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Multiple Origins of Sex Differences in Brain

Part of the book series: Research and Perspectives in Endocrine Interactions ((RPEI))

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are strongly biased towards males, with a male:female ratio of 4:1 for classic autism and over 10:1 for Asperger syndrome. The cause of the observed sex difference in ASC remains a topic of debate. The Extreme Male Brain (EMB) theory proposes that autism is an exaggeration of typical sex differences in empathizing and systemizing. Here we review evidence that levels of prenatal androgens (particularly testosterone) lead to masculinization of the brain and play a role in empathy, systemizing, and autistic traits. Evidence that elevated testosterone levels may be a risk factor for ASC is discussed.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The American Psychiatric Association uses the term ASD for Autism Spectrum Disorders. We prefer the use of the term ASC, as those at the higher-functioning end of the autistic spectrum do not necessarily see themselves as having a ‘disorder,’ and the profile of strengths and difficulties in ASC can be conceptualized as atypical but not necessarily disordered. ASC remains a medical diagnosis, hence the use of the term ‘condition,’ which signals that such individuals need support. Use of the term ASC recognizes that the profile includes areas of strength (e.g., in attention to detail) as well as areas of difficulty.

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Acknowledgments

Parts of this chapter also appear in Buxbaum J and Hof P (eds) Neuroscience of Autism (Elsevier). The authors were supported by the MRC UK, the Wellcome Trust, and the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation during the period of this work.

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  1. Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge University, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Rd, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK

    Bonnie Auyeung & Simon Baron-Cohen

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  1. Bonnie Auyeung
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Correspondence to Simon Baron-Cohen .

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    Donald W. Pfaff

  2. Fondation Ipsen, Quai George Gorse 65, Boulogne Billancourt, 92650, France

    Yves Christen

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Auyeung, B., Baron-Cohen, S. (2013). Fetal Testosterone in Mind: Implications for Autism. In: Pfaff, D., Christen, Y. (eds) Multiple Origins of Sex Differences in Brain. Research and Perspectives in Endocrine Interactions. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-33721-5_9

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