Submitted by Elisabeth Stevens on Mon, 19/10/2020 - 11:15
A new article by Dr Kung Tim Karson and Professor Melissa Hines, in collaboration with colleagues from the Department of Paediatrics, has been published in The Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry. This link can be used to access the article, titled 'No relationship between prenatal or early postnatal androgen exposure and autistic traits: evidence using anogenital distance and penile length measurements at birth and 3 months of age'.
Key points:
What's known? Some prior research suggests that early androgen exposure contributes to autistic traits.
What's new? This is the first study relating early measurements of anogenital distance and penile length, which are putative biomarkers of androgen exposure, to autistic traits. Repeated measurements were taken to assess both the prenatal and the early postnatal periods. The current study found no significant relationship between prenatal or early postnatal androgen exposure and autistic traits.
What’s relevant? The current study highlights the need to exercise caution when communicating any potential effects of early androgen exposure on risk of autism. Measurements of anogenital distance and penile length, which are relatively noninvasive and inexpensive, may be included in larger future studies.