For decades, Simon Baron-Cohen's "extreme male brain" theory was a prominent explanation for autism, suggesting autistic traits are an exaggeration of typical male cognitive patterns. It helped cement the idea of autism as a particularly male condition.
According to New Scientist, that view is now being tested by a broader body of research showing autism appears across genders and in many different forms. This wider lens has led researchers to ask whether the original theory still fits.
The article focuses on whether Baron-Cohen himself has revised his thinking in light of these developments. It does not present a simple answer, but it highlights the ongoing tension between a landmark theory and the growing complexity of autism science.