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A groundbreaking study challenges traditional views about the role of prenatal hormones in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and talent development, suggesting that reduced androgen levels may play a significant role in shaping autism-associated traits.
The research, led by Dr. Atsuko Saito, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Sophia University, alongside Mx. Shintaro Tawata from the Graduate School of Human Sciences at Sophia University, and Professor Kikue Sakaguchi from the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education, was published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry on November 8, 2024.
For decades, the “Extreme Male Brain Theory” (EMB) has been a popular explanation for why males have been overrepresented among geniuses in STEM fields and why males also dominate the diagnosis of autism. The theory posits that an excess of prenatal androgen exposure leads to the development of a hyper-masculine brain, one characterized by a strong affinity for systems, patterns, and logic, while showing less empathy and emotional sensitivity.
However, this new study presents a radical shift in our understanding. The researchers found evidence suggesting that a reduction in androgen exposure—rather than an excess—may actually contribute to the development of traits associated with autism, including sensory sensitivity, synesthesia, and savant abilities.
The team’s investigation focused on how neurodevelopmental traits, such as those seen in autism, may be linked to atypical hormonal influences during early development. They also considered the intersection between neurodiversity and sexual minorities, especially those exposed to non-typical effects of sex steroid hormones.
The research examined four participant groups: 22 individuals with Klinefelter syndrome (KS), 66 sexual minorities assigned male at birth, and two control groups of males without Klinefelter syndrome or gender non-conforming traits. Klinefelter syndrome, a condition in which individuals have an extra X chromosome (XXY), is often linked with reduced androgen levels and neurodevelopmental differences.
Participants in the study completed self-reported questionnaires assessing traits such as sensory sensitivity, synesthesia (where one sensory experience triggers another), and savant abilities (exceptional skills in specific areas). The data was analyzed using exploratory and reanalysis methods to confirm the findings.
The results were revealing. Participants with Klinefelter syndrome and sexual minorities showed significantly heightened levels of both sensory hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity, compared to control groups. These traits were most pronounced in those experiencing gender dysphoria, where an individual’s gender identity conflicts with their assigned sex at birth.
In addition, sexual minorities reported a much higher prevalence of synesthesia (18.2%) compared to controls (2.8%). Savant-like abilities, including extraordinary memory, spatial reasoning, and artistic talents, were also more frequently observed in this group.
“Our findings suggest that reduced androgen exposure during development could contribute to the sensory and cognitive traits often associated with ASD,” said Dr. Saito. “This challenges the Extreme Male Brain Theory and introduces a new perspective on how early hormonal influences might shape neurodevelopment.”
The study also uncovered a link between gender dysphoria and atypical sensory processing, providing insight into how individuals with gender dysphoria might experience the world differently. According to the researchers, this altered sensory processing could be central to how individuals form their self-concept.
Though these findings are still in their early stages and may not immediately influence clinical practices, they carry significant implications. They offer new ways to understand neurodevelopmental differences and open doors for further research that could better inform both clinical and personal perspectives on gender identity and neurodiversity.
“This research holds great promise for raising awareness and enhancing self-understanding among sexual minorities and those at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders,” the team concluded.
As the study draws attention to the complex intersection of gender, hormones, and neurodiversity, it underscores the importance of continued exploration in this field, with hopes for a more inclusive understanding of human neurological development.
For more information, refer to the study Androgyny and Atypical Sensory Sensitivity Associated with Savant Ability: A Comparison Between Klinefelter Syndrome and Sexual Minorities Assigned Male at Birth by Shintaro Tawata et al, published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.3389/frcha.2024.1356802.
