Reduced androgen levels linked to autism-associated traits

Why have males been overrepresented among geniuses in STEM fields so far? A popular biological psychological explanation is the “Extreme Male Brain Theory” (EMB), which suggests that an overdose of prenatal androgen (male hormone) leads to the hyper-masculine brain type, characterized by a strong geek tendency and insensitivity to others’ feelings.

This theory explains the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and inevitably connects prenatal androgen action with talents in specific fields.

However, the current research shows evidence that the opposite story might be true: reduced androgen exposure in males may play a significant role in shaping autism-associated traits.

This exploratory research was led by Dr. Atsuko Saito, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Sophia University, along with Mx. Shintaro Tawata from the Graduate School of Human Sciences, Sophia University, and Professor Kikue Sakaguchi from the Research Department, National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education.

Their findings were published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry on November 8, 2024.

The researchers were inspired to explore the relationship between neurodevelopmental diversities and sexual minorities, especially those presumed to have been exposed to atypical effects of sex steroid hormones during early development. These hormonal differences, they hypothesized, might influence the sensory and cognitive traits commonly associated with autism.

To investigate, the researchers analyzed the general population for autism-related traits like savant syndrome, sensory sensitivity, and synesthesia. Savant syndrome involves exceptional abilities in specific areas, while synesthesia is when one sensory stimulus involuntarily triggers another (e.g., hearing colors or seeing sounds).

To this end, the researchers examined four participant groups: 22 individuals with Klinefelter syndrome (KS), 66 sexual minorities assigned male at birth, and two control groups—36 males without Klinefelter syndrome or gender non-conforming traits and 583 in the second control group for reanalysis.

Klinefelter syndrome is characterized by an extra X chromosome (XXY), which emerges in 1/660 male births, often leading to reduced androgen levels and neurodevelopmental disorders. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires on sensory sensitivity, savant abilities, synesthesia, and gender-related traits.

The data were analyzed using two methods: exploratory analysis and reanalysis. The exploratory analysis explored relationships between sensory sensitivity, savant abilities, synesthesia, and gender-related traits across groups. Reanalysis was conducted with a larger control group to verify the initial findings.

The results were striking. Individuals with Klinefelter syndrome and sexual minorities exhibited significantly higher levels of sensory hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity compared to controls. These traits were most pronounced in participants with gender dysphoria (or dissatisfaction), where gender identity conflicts with the assigned sex at birth.

Synesthesia was more frequent among sexual minorities (18.2%), compared to the controls (2.8%). Savant abilities, such as exceptional memory, spatial reasoning, and artistic talent, were also more common in sexual minorities.

Elaborating further, the researchers say, “Our findings suggest that androgynous traits, marked by reduced androgen exposure during development, may contribute to the sensory and cognitive characteristics often seen in ASD.”

Adding further, “This challenges the EMB theory and offers a fresh perspective on how early hormonal influences shape neurodevelopment.”

What’s more, this study also draws a connection between gender dysphoria and atypical sensory perception, highlighting differences in sensory processing and self-concept integration.

“Our findings suggest that individuals with gender dysphoria may process sensory information differently, which could influence how they form their sense of self,” explain the researchers.

“Although our findings may not immediately result in changes to clinical practice, they hold significant potential to enhance self-understanding, raise awareness, and empower sexual minorities and individuals at high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.”

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the intersection of gender and neurodiversity and also highlights the need for further exploration using diverse methodologies and sample groups to gain a deeper understanding of neurological development.

Why have males been overrepresented among geniuses in STEM fields so far? A popular biological psychological explanation is the “Extreme Male Brain Theory” (EMB), which suggests that an overdose of prenatal androgen (male hormone) leads to the hyper-masculine brain type, characterized by a strong geek tendency and insensitivity to others’ feelings.

This theory explains the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and inevitably connects prenatal androgen action with talents in specific fields.

However, the current research shows evidence that the opposite story might be true: reduced androgen exposure in males may play a significant role in shaping autism-associated traits.

This exploratory research was led by Dr. Atsuko Saito, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Sophia University, along with Mx. Shintaro Tawata from the Graduate School of Human Sciences, Sophia University, and Professor Kikue Sakaguchi from the Research Department, National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education.

Their findings were published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry on November 8, 2024.

The researchers were inspired to explore the relationship between neurodevelopmental diversities and sexual minorities, especially those presumed to have been exposed to atypical effects of sex steroid hormones during early development. These hormonal differences, they hypothesized, might influence the sensory and cognitive traits commonly associated with autism.

To investigate, the researchers analyzed the general population for autism-related traits like savant syndrome, sensory sensitivity, and synesthesia. Savant syndrome involves exceptional abilities in specific areas, while synesthesia is when one sensory stimulus involuntarily triggers another (e.g., hearing colors or seeing sounds).

To this end, the researchers examined four participant groups: 22 individuals with Klinefelter syndrome (KS), 66 sexual minorities assigned male at birth, and two control groups—36 males without Klinefelter syndrome or gender non-conforming traits and 583 in the second control group for reanalysis.

Klinefelter syndrome is characterized by an extra X chromosome (XXY), which emerges in 1/660 male births, often leading to reduced androgen levels and neurodevelopmental disorders. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires on sensory sensitivity, savant abilities, synesthesia, and gender-related traits.

The data were analyzed using two methods: exploratory analysis and reanalysis. The exploratory analysis explored relationships between sensory sensitivity, savant abilities, synesthesia, and gender-related traits across groups. Reanalysis was conducted with a larger control group to verify the initial findings.

The results were striking. Individuals with Klinefelter syndrome and sexual minorities exhibited significantly higher levels of sensory hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity compared to controls. These traits were most pronounced in participants with gender dysphoria (or dissatisfaction), where gender identity conflicts with the assigned sex at birth.

Synesthesia was more frequent among sexual minorities (18.2%), compared to the controls (2.8%). Savant abilities, such as exceptional memory, spatial reasoning, and artistic talent, were also more common in sexual minorities.

Elaborating further, the researchers say, “Our findings suggest that androgynous traits, marked by reduced androgen exposure during development, may contribute to the sensory and cognitive characteristics often seen in ASD.”

Adding further, “This challenges the EMB theory and offers a fresh perspective on how early hormonal influences shape neurodevelopment.”

What’s more, this study also draws a connection between gender dysphoria and atypical sensory perception, highlighting differences in sensory processing and self-concept integration.

“Our findings suggest that individuals with gender dysphoria may process sensory information differently, which could influence how they form their sense of self,” explain the researchers.

“Although our findings may not immediately result in changes to clinical practice, they hold significant potential to enhance self-understanding, raise awareness, and empower sexual minorities and individuals at high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.”

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the intersection of gender and neurodiversity and also highlights the need for further exploration using diverse methodologies and sample groups to gain a deeper understanding of neurological development.