Testosterone and Autism
Forbes.com is reporting on study of a cancer treatment that is having an unexpected effect on mental functions. Twenty three men were given a pair of cancer drugs that are known to reduce testosterone levels. After six months the men’s visual memory and number ability decreased and after a year there was a slight increase in verbal ability.
This is noteworthy because autism is more frequent in boys than girls and some even theories that autism is extreme maleness. Verbal ability is general stronger in girls and boys are generaly better at numeric tasks [abstract]. So a reduction in the male hormone testosterone increases a female mental trait and lowers a male trait it is consistent with a link between testosterone and autism.
Find Out More:
Books:
- Understanding Girls With AD/HD
- A Picture’s Worth: PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism (Topics in Autism)
- Overcoming Autism: Finding the Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a
- Views from Our Shoes: Growing Up With a Brother or Sister With Special Needs
- Power Brain Kids
Leave a Reply