Cited by 95Autism Spectrum Disorder ResearchSexual Differentiation and DisordersNeuroendocrine regulation and behavior

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

Knickmeyer, Rebecca C., Wheelwright, Sally, Baron-Cohen, Simon B.·2008·Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

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.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1007/s10803-007-0475-0

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45 of 45 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Elevated prenatal androgens have been strongly associated with ASD risk for more than a decade.

    “For example, elevated prenatal androgens have been strongly associated with ASD risk for more than a decade (26–35) leading some to hypothesize that EDCs that alter androgen action may be contributory.”

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Authors
Knickmeyer, R. C., Wheelwright, S., & Baron-Cohen, S. B.
Affiliations
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (US)
  • University of Cambridge (GB)
Corresponding author
Knickmeyer, Rebecca C.
Venue
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Published
2007-11-06
Volume
38
Issue
6
Pages
1028-1035
ISSN
  • 0162-3257 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-3432
OpenAlex
W2015760442
Cited by
95
References
45
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 6
FWCI
1.17
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation
  • Government of the United Kingdom
  • University of Cambridge
  • Medical Research Council
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Sexual Differentiation and Disorders
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
Keywords
autism spectrum disorder, autistic girls, defeminization, pretend play, play preferences, sex differences, sex differences in brain
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Autistic Disorder, Brain, Child, Child, Preschool, Fantasy, Female, Gender Identity, Humans, Imagination, Male, Personality Assessment, Play and Playthings, Pregnancy, Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects, Reference Values, Testosterone

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