Sex Hormones During Pregnancy and Child Development
Sex Hormones During Pregnancy and Child Development This project aims to examine associations between maternal blood levels of sex hormones during pregnancy and child development, including in children with and without autism. Summary Sex hormones during pregnancy can have a significant impact on brain development, behavior, and health, yet knowledge in this area remains limited. Autism can present differently in children assigned to females at birth compared to those assigned to males, and the lack of research on autistic traits in girls may contribute to delayed recognition and diagnosis. A better understanding of hormonal influences could improve knowledge of how autism traits manifest in boys and girls, potentially facilitating earlier identification and more tailored support and accommodations. A substantial part of the disabling challenges experienced by autistic individuals stems from co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Understanding...