Creator: valdamedina
Published: 2020-09-26T13:27:43Z
Keywords: social behavior

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social and communication difficulties, as well as repetitive behaviors and interests. A promising new treatment for these symptoms is oxytocin, a hormone that is naturally produced in the body.

This article will explore the potential benefits of oxytocin for children on the autism spectrum.

What is oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone that is produced in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. It is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” because it is involved in social bonding, trust, and empathy.

Oxytocin is produced during childbirth, breastfeeding, and sexual activity, and it plays a role in maternal behavior, pair bonding, and social recognition in animals.

Research has found that people with autism have lower levels of oxytocin than neurotypical individuals. Additionally, oxytocin receptors in the brain are less active in people with autism.

This suggests that oxytocin may play a role in the social and communication deficits that are characteristic of ASD.

Oxytocin has been shown to improve social cognition, empathy, and trust in neurotypical individuals. In people with autism, oxytocin has been found to improve eye contact, facial recognition, emotion recognition, and social interaction.

These improvements have been observed both during and after oxytocin administration, indicating that the effects are not just temporary.

Oxytocin administration

Oxytocin can be administered intranasally, which means it is sprayed into the nostrils and absorbed through the nasal mucosa. This method allows oxytocin to quickly enter the bloodstream and reach the brain.

The effects of oxytocin administration typically last for about two hours.

Studies on oxytocin and autism

Several studies have examined the effects of oxytocin on social behavior in children with autism. One study found that oxytocin improved social interaction and reduced repetitive behaviors in children with ASD.

Another study found that oxytocin improved social communication and increased eye contact in children with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome. Yet another study found that oxytocin improved social cognition and increased activity in the brain regions involved in social processing in children with autism.

Limitations of oxytocin as a treatment for autism

While the benefits of oxytocin for social behavior in children with autism are promising, there are some limitations to its use as a treatment.

First, not all children with autism respond to oxytocin, and the effects may vary depending on the severity of their symptoms. Second, oxytocin is not a cure for autism and does not address the core deficits in social and communication skills. Third, there may be side effects of oxytocin administration, such as nausea, headache, and flushing.

Conclusion

Overall, oxytocin shows promise as a treatment for the social and communication deficits in children with autism.

While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of oxytocin and to identify which children are most likely to benefit from it, oxytocin may offer a new tool for helping children with autism improve their social skills and interact more effectively with others.