APA Dictionary of Psychology

an inherited X-linked (see sex-linked) recessive condition affecting genital development and caused by varying degrees of insensitivity to androgens. There are three forms: complete AIS, in which the insensitivity is total, resulting in external genitalia that are female; partial AIS, in which some sensitivity to the hormones results in external genitalia that fall anywhere within the range of male to female; and mild AIS, in which the external sex characteristics are male but there may be some breast growth at puberty. In all three forms, the internal organs are male (i.e., testes). Also called feminizing testes syndrome; testicular feminization syndrome. See also intersex.