Sexuality and gender role in autism spectrum disorder: a case control study

PLoS One. 2014 Jan 31;9(1):e87961. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087961. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

The 'extreme male brain theory of autism' describes an extreme male pattern of cognitive traits defined as strong systemising abilities paired with empathising weaknesses in autism spectrum disorder. However, beyond these cognitive traits, clinical observations have suggested an ambiguous gender-typed pattern regarding several sexually dimorphic traits. The aim of the present study was to investigate if patterns of non-cognitive sexually dimorphic traits differed between the autism spectrum disorder and control groups. Fifty adults with autism spectrum disorder and intelligence within the normal range, and 53 neurotypical controls responded to questions on gender role, self-perceived gender typicality and gender identity, as well as sexuality. Measures used were a Swedish modification of the Bem Sex Role Inventory and questions on sexuality and gender designed for the purpose of this study. Our results showed that one common gender role emerged in the autism spectrum disorder group. Masculinity (e.g. assertiveness, leadership and competitiveness) was weaker in the autism spectrum disorder group than in the controls, across men and women. Self-perceived gender typicality did not differ between the groups but tomboyism and bisexuality were overrepresented amongst women with autism spectrum disorder. Lower libido was reported amongst both male and female participants with autism spectrum disorder compared with controls. We conclude that the extreme male patterns of cognitive functions in the autistic brain do not seem to extend to gender role and sexuality. A gender-atypical pattern for these types of characteristics is suggested in autism spectrum disorder.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bisexuality / psychology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Masculinity*
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Sweden

Grants and funding

This study was founded through the Swedish Medical Research Council (Grant No 523-2011-3646) the St. Göran Foundation, the Swedish Society of Medicine and the Thuring Foundation. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.