There is preliminary evidence some but not all individuals
with autism are exposed to higher levels of testosterone in the womb.
Excessively high testosterone concentrations in the bloodstream can be harmful
and cause cells to die, particularly within the brain, which is highly
sensitive to changes in hormone levels.
One thought is that the pattern of cell death caused by high
testosterone levels may alter brain development in a way that leads to autistic
behaviours in childhood. This theory is still to be proven. Again, it is
certain that not all individuals with autism are exposed to excessive levels of
testosterone in the womb.
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