A new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), examined how administering oxytocin to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects their brain functioning.  After administering the hormone through nasal pathways, they measured the brain response to social stimuli using a functional MRI scan.  The researchers found that the hormone boosted brain functioning in response to socially meaningful stimulation, indicating that it may be possible to develop pharmacological therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders.

In an analysis of the study by Bloomberg News, the lead author noted that there are certain portions of the brain that are known to be involved in social processing and social cognition.  The use of oxytocin enhanced activation of those areas, which may help prime the brain for social learning, which is often stunted in individuals with ASD.  It is important to note that these results do not mean that oxytocin is a viable standalone treatment for any developmental condition.  Rather, it helps set a foundation for understanding what oxytocin does to the brain and opening up avenues for new research on its applications.

According to Medline Plus, oxytocin is a hormone generally used in labor to stimulate contractions of the uterus and smooth muscle tissue.  Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland. It is used to help start or strengthen labor and to reduce bleeding after delivery.  The hormone is sold under the brand name Pitocin.  Some of the side effects of oxytocin are chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, irregular or increased heartbeat, severe headache, or irritation at the injection site.

The advocacy organization Autism Speaks reports that ASD and autism are general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development.  In varying degrees, children with these conditions display difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.  This family of developmental disorders include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome.

Currently, about 1 in 88 children are identified as having ASD, reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  In general, ASD is more common in males than females.  Currently, there is no clear link between ASD and race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.  Also, ASDs are a pervasive occurrence around the world, with similar prevalence rates in studies conducted across North America, Europe, and Asia.