Fetal testosterone theory of autism

The fetal testosterone theory of autism suggests that higher levels of testosterone in the amniotic fluid of mothers pushes brain development towards improved ability to see patterns and analyze complex systems while diminishing communication and empathy, emphasizing "male" traits over "female", or in E-S theory terminology, emphasizing "systemizing" over "empathizing". One project has published several reports suggesting that high levels of fetal testosterone could produce behaviors relevant to those seen in autism. The theory and findings are controversial and many studies contradict the idea that baby boys and girls respond differently to people and objects.