Evaluation of Hyperandrogenism in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study evaluated 32 children (mean age: 8.5 y) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 23 healthy controls (similar age, sex, and Tanner stage) for hyperandrogenism. These children underwent sexual maturity rating (Tanner staging), ASD severity assessment (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), and quantitative estimation for plasma testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and androstenedione. There was no significant difference in androgen levels in the two groups. Elevated (> 95 centiles) testosterone, DHEAS, and androstenedione levels were seen in 12.3%, 6.2%, and 9% children with ASD, and 7/9 of these children (78%) with hyperandrogenism had severe ASD. However, there was no significant correlation between ASD severity and androgen levels.