PSYC 311 Chapter Notes - Chapter 17.6: Asperger Syndrome, Sexual Differentiation, Social Relation
9 Jun 2016
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It is suggested that these disorders might be the reflection of an extreme male brains: e. g. The suggestion is that people with asds show an exaggerated pattern of masculine interests and behaviours. Sexual differentiation in the brain in controlled largely by the exposure to prenatal androgens. One study found a significant correlation in both males and females between fetal testosterone levels and scores on tests that measure autistic traits. It was also found that cah females, who were exposed to higher levels of prenatal androgens, had a greater number of autistic traits. Of course, this is not a sufficient cause of autism. Many investigators note that the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviour and obsessive preoccupations resembles the symptoms of ocd. We know that the symptoms of ocd appear to be related to increased activity in the caudate nucleus: research suggests that the same might be true for the behavioural symptoms of autism.
