The literature on stuttering repeatedly refers to allergies (Diehl 1958; Szondi 1932); pediatric neurologists have repeatedly told us of the high frequency of migraine in dyslexics; Coleman (1976) discussed the high rate of a gut-related disorder in autism (p. 92). (Geschwind, N. & Galaburda, A.M. (1987). Cerebral Lateralization. Cambridge: MIT Press.)
Geschwind and Galaburda’s Cerebral Lateralization was very influential for a short period of time. Supporting studies were often contrasted with studies that supported competing theories. Nevertheless, sense has been emerging from the conflicting studies. Baron-Cohen’s work represents much of that sense.
Perhaps by offering additional attention to the influence of the sexual hormones upon both specific symptoms (such as migraine) and conditions that exhibit maturational delay or acceleration (such as autism and stuttering) we can understand the connection between maturity and physical disorders.
