The Extreme Male Brain Theory of Autism and the Potential Adverse Effects for Boys and Girls with Autism |
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Authors: | Timothy M Krahn and Andrew Fenton |
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Institution: | (1) Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 1379 Seymour Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 3M6, Canada;(2) Department of Philosophy, California State University, Fresno, 2380 East Keats Avenue, M/S MB105, Fresno, CA 93740-8024, USA |
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Abstract: | Autism, typically described as a spectrum neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in verbal ability and social
reciprocity as well as obsessive or repetitious behaviours, is currently thought to markedly affect more males than females.
Not surprisingly, this encourages a gendered understanding of the Autism Spectrum. Simon Baron-Cohen, a prominent authority
in the field of autism research, characterizes the male brain type as biased toward systemizing. In contrast, the female brain
type is understood to be biased toward empathizing. Since persons with autism are characterized as hyper-systemizers and hypo-empathizers,
Baron-Cohen suggests that, whether they are male or female, most possess an “extreme male brain profile.” We argue that Baron-Cohen
is misled by an unpersuasive gendering of certain capacities or aptitudes in the human population. Moreover, we suggest that
this may inadvertently favour boys in diagnosing children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. If this is correct, it could also
have rather serious consequences for treatment and services for girls (and women) on the Autism Spectrum. |
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