Boys and Testosterone, continued

[lalicopa]

So, I've been doing research on this testosterone theory, because this is not the first I heard of it. Turns out that there's really only ONE guy who touts this theory, and he's a psychologist. His name is Steve Biddulf. I can't seem to find *any* scientific data or medical information about this surge in preschool boys. I'm pretty good at finding stuff online. Anyone have any other information, other than an Amazon review of this guy's books? I would love to be able to explain his behavior with hormones, god knows I've done it for myself many times over the years!

Comments

[bopeepsheep.livejournal.com]

I've got Biddulph's Raising Boys where he talks about it, but I've also come across the theory in books by Matt Ridley (http://www.mattridley.co.uk/) (originally a zoologist!) and Simon Baron-Cohen (http://www.autismresearchcentre.com/arc/staff_member.asp?id=33). Follow the link on 'Testosterone and Autism' on his page there for an indication of his line of enquiry.

I give the theory credence, since there have been rumblings about a link long before Biddulph; Baron-Cohen's very well respected here.

[lalicopa.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the links. I don't see anything in Baron-Cohen's research other than prenatal exposure to hormones. And the other guy seems to just focus on genetics and chromosomes and all that stuff. :-)

[bopeepsheep.livejournal.com]

The Baron-Cohen stuff's in his books - The Essential Difference IIRC - but the webpage focuses on his "does testosterone do odd things to your brain?" idea, one focused aspect of the wider theory. He's very into 'male brain' (i.e. 'excess' testosterone) as an explanation for autism and its behavioural issues.