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In the general neurotypical population, females have a greater ability to empathize, and males have a greater ability to systemize. [11] Simon Baron-Cohen's extreme male brain theory states that autistic males have higher doses of prenatal testosterone and on average have a more systemizing brain, as opposed to the more empathizing female brain ...
Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's syndrome or Asperger's, is a diagnostic label that has historically been used to describe a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. [5]
Autism spectrum disorder [a] (ASD), or simply autism, is a neurodevelopmental disorder "characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts" and "restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities". [11]
Historically, autism was thought of as a condition mostly affecting males. Some studies found that males were up to four times more likely than females to be diagnosed as autistic [33] and among those with Asperger syndrome or "high-functioning autism", males were up to ten times more likely to be diagnosed. [34]
The E–S theory has been extended into the extreme male brain (EMB) theory of autism and Asperger syndrome, which are associated in the E–S theory with below-average empathy and average or above-average systemising. [6] Baron-Cohen's studies and theory have been questioned on multiple grounds.
Diagnosis of ASD in adults poses unique challenges because it still relies on an accurate developmental history and because autistic adults sometimes learn coping strategies, known as "masking" or "camouflaging", which may make it more difficult to obtain a diagnosis. [17] [18]
Males have only one X chromosome, derived from their mother. If a gene on the paternal X chromosome confers improved social skills, males are deficient in the gene. This could explain why males are more likely to be diagnosed with ASD. [53] In the proposed model, the candidate gene is silenced on the maternal copy of the X chromosome.
Asperger syndrome – a previously diagnosed form of autism often applied to people with a higher IQ who can have a less difficult time communicating with others and understanding concepts or phrases than other individuals with more severe autism. As of 2013, it is no longer a diagnosis on its own.