title: A critical review of the research on the extreme male brain theory and digit ratio (2D:4D).
abstract: Boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The extreme male brain (EMB) theory of ASD suggests that fetal testosterone (FT) exposure may underlie sex differences in autistic traits. A link between the organizational effects of FT on the brain and ASD is often drawn based on research using digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative biomarker, without a full survey of the findings. This paper critically and quantitatively reviews the research on the relationship between 2D:4D and ASD as well as autism spectrum, empathizing, and systemizing measures in neurotypical populations. Overall, there is some support for the EMB theory in all four areas, particularly the 2D:4D-ASD relationship. Recommendations for future research are provided.
authors.affiliation: Health, Hormones, and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, 995 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5E1, Canada, mteatero@lakeheadu.ca.
authors.forename: Missy L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Teatero
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Netley
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013739:Testosterone / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone