Abstract
The Extreme Male Brain (EMB) theory posits that autistic traits are linked to excessive exposure to testosterone in utero. While findings from a number of studies are consistent with this theory, other studies have produced contradictory results. For example, some findings suggest that rather than being linked to hypermasculinization for males, or defeminization for females, elevated levels of autistic traits are instead linked to more androgynous physical features. The current study provided further evidence relevant to the EMB and androgony positions by comparing groups of males selected for high or low scores on the Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ) as to the rated masculinity of their faces and voices, and comparable groups of females as to the rated femininity of their faces and voices. The voices of High-AQ males were rated as more masculine than those of Low-AQ males, while the faces of High-AQ females were rated as less feminine than those of Low-AQ females. There was no effect of AQ group on femininity ratings for female voices or on masculinity ratings for male faces. The results thus provide partial support for a link between high levels of autistic-like traits and hypermasculinization for males and defeminization for females, consistent with the EMB theory.
Highlights
Individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are four times more likely to be male than female, and are more likely than their typical counterparts to display a hypermasculinized or defeminized cognitive profile characterized by a stronger capacity for systemizing than empathizing [1]
These analyses revealed a significant effect of Autismspectrum Quotient (AQ) group for the female faces, with High-AQ faces rated as less feminine than Low-AQ faces, F(1, 29) = 50.18, p < .001, ηp2 =
The findings of less feminine faces for higher AQ females and more masculinized voices for higher AQ males are consistent with the Extreme Male Brain (EMB) theory of Baron-Cohen et al [1]
Summary
Individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are four times more likely to be male than female, and are more likely than their typical counterparts to display a hypermasculinized (if male) or defeminized (if female) cognitive profile characterized by a stronger capacity for systemizing than empathizing [1]. These findings form the basis of Baron-Cohen [1] Extreme
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