The Extreme Male Brain theory and gender role behaviour in persons with an autism spectrum condition

According to the Extreme Male Brain theory persons with autism possess masculinised cognitive traits. In this study masculinisation of gender role behaviour is evaluated in 25 persons with an autism spectrum condition (ASC) and matched controls with gender role behaviour as part of a shortened version of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 and the Empathizing Quotient and Systemizing Quotient. Both males and females with an ASC showed minimum male role behaviour. It is suggested that the minimum male gender role could be related to an underdeveloped Theory of Mind, a well-known feature of autism.

Research highlights
► Masculinisation of gender role behaviour is evaluated in 25 male and female persons with an autism spectrum condition (ASC) and matched controls.
► Both males and females with an ASC showed minimum male role behaviour.
► It is suggested that the minimum male gender role in persons with an ASC could be related to an underdeveloped Theory of Mind.