Empathy and biology research of adolescents' cognitions and emotions in autism (EMBRACE Autism)

The role of puberty and sex-hormones in autism symptomology -

Autism affects ~1% of children and is characterized by difficulties in social communication and restrictive interests. Autism is more frequently diagnosed in boys than in girls, and sex hormones such as testosterone have a role in the underlying biology of autism. Puberty marks a period of hormonal change, but its influence on autism is unclear. In this research project, we investigate the longitudinal relationship between pubertal stage and social cognition in autistic and non-autistic youth, and how COVID-19 affected these processes. Findings promise to unveil the effects of puberty on autism.