autism:extreme male brain

Question 1

EMB theory

Answer 1

-biological
-Autism caused by excess exposure to/ production of testosterone in the womb
-brains become more masculinised (male brain) as they develop, an extreme of male brain structure
-less connected corpus collosum
-more lateralised-each side more independent
-systemising
-testosterone is an androgen(male sx hormone so more common in males)

Question 2

non autistic male brain

Answer 2

-less connected corpus collosum
-more lateralised
-larger amygdala
-takes longer to learn language
-systemisers

Question 3

lateralised brains

Answer 3

men more likely to be systemising, extreme systemising (patters,rules,organisation, low empathy)

Question 4

systemising

Answer 4

difficulty understanding emotion and socialisation problems

Question 5

male:female 3:1

Answer 5

ASD is extreme version of typical male brain

Question 6

repetitive behaviour

Answer 6

stereotypical play, lining and stacking

Question 7

routine

Answer 7

getting upset when things aren’t

Question 8

delayed speech

Answer 8

males develop speech slower on average

Question 9

savant abilities

Answer 9

linked to maths/ spatial

Question 10

supporting:Falter 2007

Answer 10

-looked at 28 kids with and and 31 typical kids.ASD did better in mental rotation and figure disembodying tasks
-shows they do have higher ability with systemiser tasks=credible

Question 11

Supporting:wen and wen 2014

Answer 11

-traits linked to ASD also linked with antisocial personality, such as lower empathy.Also saw amygdala difference in ASD compared to typical
-so do have embarrassed so credible

Question 12

Conflicting:Falter 2007

Answer 12

-found No correlation between finger ratio and task performance(linked to testosterone)
-shows less credible
-ASD performed worse on targeting tasks when should do better
-reductionist