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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Gepubliceerd in:

01-07-2008 | Original Paper

Sex-typical Play: Masculinization/Defeminization in Girls with an Autism Spectrum Condition

Auteurs: Rebecca C. Knickmeyer, Sally Wheelwright, Simon B. Baron-Cohen

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 6/2008

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that prenatal masculinization of the brain by androgens increases risk of developing an autism spectrum condition (ASC). Sex-typical play was measured in n = 66 children diagnosed with an ASC and n = 55 typically developing age-matched controls. Consistent with the hypothesis, girls with autism did not show the female-typical play preferences, though this was only seen on non-pretence items. Boys with autism showed a preference for male play on non-pretence items, in keeping with their sex. Girls with autism engaged in more pretend play than boys with autism, suggesting that pretence is relatively more protected in females with autism. We conclude that play preference studies in ASC provide partial support for the fetal androgen theory.

vorige artikel Level of Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Phenotypic Congruence Among Affected Siblings

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Titel: Sex-typical Play: Masculinization/Defeminization in Girls with an Autism Spectrum Condition
Auteurs: Rebecca C. Knickmeyer
Sally Wheelwright
Simon B. Baron-Cohen
Publicatiedatum: 01-07-2008
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 6/2008
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0475-0

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