The 'extreme male brain' theory of autism is considered unhelpful and misleading by its originator, Professor Simon Baron-Cohen.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jul/05/autism-extreme-male-brain-simon-baron-cohen. I am extremely glad to hear it! This from Professor Simon Baron-Cohen is somewhat late in the day, @KatyElphinstone. "Baron-Cohen has previously sparked #controversy in the #autism #community, dating back to his 'extreme male brain' theory, which was criticised for framing autism as an #empathy deficit & reinforcing #gender stereotypes. In fact... his own #research showed... autistic people tend to differ in cognitive #empathy... but not affective empathy..."

“Pioneer of ‘extreme male brain’ theory of #autism now says phrase unhelpful. Prof Simon Baron-Cohen says his language was misunderstood and it is a myth that autistic people lack empathy.” https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jul/05/autism-extreme-male-brain-simon-baron-cohen