Neurodevelopmental outcomes in women with PCOS and their children
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Autistic traits and the broad autism phenotype in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and children of women with polycystic ovary syndrome
IRAS ID
160585
Contact name
Simon Baron-Cohen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Research summary
Previous research has indicated that elevated exposure to testosterone during a critical period of prenatal brain development increases the risk for autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and that levels of testosterone measured in amniotic fluid during this period are related to autistic traits. Furthermore, testosterone exposure during this period may also program the reproductive system in females, resulting in disruption of hormones, as seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The purpose of this study is to investigate the rate of autism, and the psychological profile related to autism, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and children born to women with polycystic ovary syndrome, as both groups may be exposed to higher levels of testosterone in utero. Participants will be asked to report any developmental diagnoses they or their biological children have received, and to take self- and parent-report questionnaires investigating the broad autism phenotype on a secure website. We believe that self-report of diagnoses will more accurately reflect the true prevalence in this population, as many women with autism seek a diagnosis privately because of the stigma associated with autism spectrum conditions.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/1119
Date of REC Opinion
24 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion