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Doc chat: Are Boys More Susceptible To Autism?

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http://media.soundmedicine.org/segments/042113_4.mp3

According to a recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, boys are five times more likely than girls to develop autism spectrum disorder, which is characterized by impaired communication and social skills in young children. The study suggests that males may be more threatened by testosterone in the womb than females. “Sound Medicine” healthy living expert Theresa Rohr Kirchgraber, M.D., says that although we don’t know what causes autism, the results of this study are promising. If researchers can figure out why females are more resistant to autism, the findings could potentially lead to treatments and even a cure.