Examining androgen and estrogen profiles during pubertal development in autistic and neurotypical girls

Puberty is a normative albeit complex developmental period marked by significant changes in hormonal, physical, and socioemotional functioning. Research has theorized an important role for sex hormones in the etiology and profile of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially during developmental periods including puberty. Differences in pubertal onset in autistic compared to neurotypical girls have been reported. Aims examined female participants based on diagnostic (autistic, neurotypical) and hormonal expression (dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-S), estradiol, testosterone) in the context of development (puberty, age). Hypotheses included: Hyp 1: autistic compared to neurotypical girls would demonstrate earlier pubertal onset. Hyp 2: DHEA-S and estradiol would be higher in older, more physically mature girls. Hyp 3: Testosterone would be stable.

Participants included females between 6-to-12 years with ASD (N = 112) or typical development (TD, N = 96). Morning salivary samples were collected for hormone assays. Nonlinear least squares and ordinary linear regression models were used.

Autistic girls did not show significant evidence of earlier pubertal onset in pubertal stage (p = 0.692). There were no observed diagnostic differences in hormone changes through the pubertal or age range (p = 0.8367, p = 0.0694, p = 0.6812, p = 0.8418, p = 0.7358, & p = 0.1438) sampled. All hormones showed significant changes with puberty and age (p < 0.001).

The study examined profiles of females based on diagnostic group and hormonal expression in the context of development. Although group differences were not observed in this cross-sectional study, hormonal differences may emerge as girls progress through puberty. It is vital to track and support autistic girls through this time of change and vulnerability.