Problem Behavior and Testosterone in Pre-pubertal Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to compare testosterone level with clinical features of problem behavior in children with ASD. Methods The study sample consisted of 35 pre-pubertal boys with clinical diagnosis of ASD. In all children (ages 3-10) diagnosed as ASD, parents completed Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form (NCBRF) (version for intellectual disabilities)-parent version. Rating scale assessed child´s behavior as observed in previous 1-2 months. Specific problem behavior was rated on subscales for conduct problems, anxiety, hyperactivity, self-injury/stereotypic behavior, self-isolated/ritualistic and overly sensitive. On this rating form parents also assessed social behavior: compliant behavior and adaptive social behavior. Total serum testosterone levels were determined after the parents completed rating forms, according to standardized procedure. Results It was found positive correlation between total serum testosterone levels and conduct problem subscale (p=0.007, r=0.445) and as well as total serum testosterone levels and overly sensitive subscale (p=0.03, r=0.348) of NCBRF. In other subscalesof NCBRF(problem behavior or social behavior) were no significant correlations. Conclusions The results suggest that there might be some relationship between problem behavior (specifically conduct problems and overal sensitivity) and testosterone levels in boys with ASD. Testosterone levels had no significant correlation with other subscales of NCBRF. However further research is needed for investigation of complex androgen activity (free TST levels, SHBD levels) and potential roles of other hormones in complex etiology of conduct problems and overall sensitivity in children with ASD. This findings rise interest in further investigation of relationship between testosterone and conduct problems and overall sensitivity in children with ASD and indicate that therapeutic strategies targeting testosteronecould be useful in the treatment of problem behaviors in children with ASD. This study was part of broader projects focused on ASD conducted in Autism Research Center for Autism (ARCA), Comenius University and was supported by grants APVV 02544-11 and VEGA1/0086/14.