Abstract Background. This study examines the relationship between hormonal parameters of puberty development and fetal testosterone levels with the presence of autistic symptoms, especially the...Show moreAbstract Background. This study examines the relationship between hormonal parameters of puberty development and fetal testosterone levels with the presence of autistic symptoms, especially the deficits in cognitive empathy in boys with high functioning autism (HFA) between nine and nineteen years old. According to several theories, hormones are involved in the etiology and behavioral characteristics of ASD in later life, such as problems with cognitive empathy. Method. In 45 HFA boys and 41 non-clinical boys, the degree of autistic symptoms is defined by the ADI-R and the SRS, and cognitive empathy is determined by the SCVT. Saliva samples are taken to determine testosterone, DHEA and estradiol levels. The fetal testosterone level was determined using the 2D:4D ratio. Results. Levels of fetal testosterone were significantly higher in HFA boys compared to non- clinical controls. Also, there is a connection between the fetal testosterone levels and cognitive deficits in cognitive empathy on the scale ‘discriminating perspectives’ in HFA boys. Higher scores are associated with higher fetal testosterone levels. Further research should incorporate the influence of mediating genes and neural structures, and should investigate the influence of hormones over a longer period, to assess the influence of hormones during social development.Show less
