Table 5 Common misconceptions about Sex Chromosome Multisomies (SCM)

Persons with SCM are more likely to exhibit criminal behaviors

Studies from the 1960’s and 1970’s conducted in prisons or other institutionalized populations erroneously concluded that people with SCM, especially Jacob syndrome, are at higher risk of sexual deviance and criminality. These conclusions are not supported by larger observational studies of children diagnosed as infants or prenatally, as well as studies characterizing neuropsychology of these conditions. Individuals with some SCM conditions do experience challenges with executive function, impacting judgment, decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control that may render them more likely to interact with legal and educational authorities and this should be clearly distinguished from criminality

SCM are associated with sexual orientation or gender identity

Based on the association with the sex chromosomes, there is a common misconception that SCM impacts gender identity and/or sexual orientation. A distinction should be drawn between SCM and intersex conditions. Although there is a spectrum of gender and sexuality in individuals who have SCM, there little evidence showing links between SCM and gender dysmorphia and/or sexuality

All persons with SCM are infertile

Because SCM have historically been under-diagnosed, many individuals previously received an unexpected diagnosis when seeking fertility care. This has led to a misconception that all individuals with SCM are infertile and cannot have biological children. People with SCM may have reduced fertility. For example, Klinefelter syndrome does result in testicular insufficiency and azoospermia, but advances in assisted fertility procedures allow approximately half of individuals with Klinefelter to biologically reproduce. Several clinics in the US now offer fertility procedures to achieve pregnancy with gametes from individuals with SCM