These initial clinical observations have been quantified using different measures. For example, on a self-report measure of systemizing (the Systemizing Quotient – Revised, or the SQ-R)
4, autistic adults, on average, score significantly higher than non-autistic individuals
4,
5. The same pattern of results is seen in autistic children, using the parent-report version of the SQ
6. Systemizing is also highly correlated with aptitude in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
7. Fathers and grandfathers of children with autism are significantly overrepresented in the field of engineering
8. The same is true of mothers
9.