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Asperger's syndrome: Difference between revisions
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→Relationship between ASD and behavioral androgyny
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==Relationship between ASD and behavioral androgyny== | ==Relationship between ASD and behavioral androgyny== | ||
In seeming contradiction to the "extreme male brain" theory of the etiology of ASD, there is also some evidence that ASD is associated with behavioral androgyny in both sexes. However, as stated above, the theory does not claim that those with ASD are more "masculine" in a sense that accords with cultural/biological definitions of masculinity. Merely that exposure to excessive levels of androgens in the pre-natal environment is one of the main causes of the disorder, and that this androgen exposure is associated with traits that masculinize the brain of those with ASD in certain contexts, such as causing less empathy and/or a greater tendency toward systemizing (e.g. an extreme exaggeration of the general male tendency to be | In seeming contradiction to the "extreme male brain" theory of the etiology of ASD, there is also some evidence that ASD is associated with behavioral androgyny in both sexes. However, as stated above, the theory does not claim that those with ASD are more "masculine" in a sense that accords with cultural/biological definitions of masculinity. Merely that exposure to excessive levels of androgens in the pre-natal environment is one of the main causes of the disorder, and that this androgen exposure is associated with traits that masculinize the brain of those with ASD in certain contexts, such as causing less empathy and/or a greater tendency toward systemizing (e.g. an extreme exaggeration of the general male tendency to be interested in "things" instead of "people"<ref>https://www.researchgate.net/publication/38061313_Men_and_Things_Women_and_People_A_Meta-Analysis_of_Sex_Differences_in_Interests</ref><ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166361/</ref>). | ||
Regarding the behavior profiles typical of those with ASD, a study published in 2014 found that, using a modified version of the Bem Sex Role Inventory, those with ASD generally exhibiting a more androgynous gender profile,<ref>https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0087961</ref>. This was mainly based on those with ASD generally less of a competitive drive, poorer leadership abilities and lower assertiveness. However women with ASD reported a greater masculinized gender identity, and two thirds stated they were tomboys in childhood vs one-third of control women. | Regarding the behavior profiles typical of those with ASD, a study published in 2014 found that, using a modified version of the Bem Sex Role Inventory, those with ASD generally exhibiting a more androgynous gender profile,<ref>https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0087961</ref>. This was mainly based on those with ASD generally less of a competitive drive, poorer leadership abilities and lower assertiveness. However women with ASD reported a greater masculinized gender identity, and two thirds stated they were tomboys in childhood vs one-third of control women. | ||