title: Masculinization in Parents of Offspring With Autism Spectrum Disorders Could Be Involved in Comorbid ADHD Symptoms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often have comorbid ADHD symptoms. ASD and ADHD are both associated with high intrauterine testosterone (T) levels. This study aims to investigate whether masculinization predicts inattention symptoms in parents, and in their ASD-affected offspring.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample consisted of 32 parents with ASD-affected children (13 male, 19 female) and 32 offspring individuals (28 male, 4 female). Masculinization of parents was measured by 2D:4D finger ratio, and current T levels. Inattention in both parents and in their offspring was measured with behavior questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results indicated that masculinized 2D:4D explains inattentive ADHD symptoms in ASD parents and in their offspring. These predictions are mediated by T and inattention symptoms of ASD parents, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest the existence of a masculinized endophenotype in ASD parents, which may be characterized by high attentional sensitivity to T effects.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Ángel
authors.initials: Á
authors.lastname: Romero-Martínez
authors.affiliation: 2 VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Tinca J C
authors.initials: TJC
authors.lastname: Polderman
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Esperanza
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: González-Bono
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moya-Albiol
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D010290:Parents; D010641:Phenotype; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: 2D:4D ratio; ADHD; autism spectrum disorders; testosterone