>>249891Testosterone is a primary male sex hormone but is present in both males and females at different levels. It influences several physiological and cognitive processes. Emerging studies suggest that it might have implications for autism traits.
Higher Testosterone Levels in ASD: Some studies indicate that children with ASD may have elevated testosterone levels compared to neurotypical children. For instance, boys with more pronounced autistic traits showed higher serum testosterone and androstenedione levels.
Prenatal Exposure: The "fetal androgen theory" posits that high levels of testosterone exposure in utero may influence brain development, potentially leading to the development of ASD. Research measuring hormone concentrations in amniotic fluid found links between elevated fetal testosterone and increased autistic traits in later development.
Males are diagnosed with ASD more frequently than females, often at a ratio of 4:1. However, females with ASD tend to display higher prenatal testosterone levels compared to neurotypical females. In some cases, girls with ASD exhibit more "male-typical" behaviors linked to higher androgen activity.