Can Oxytocin Improve Core Brain and Behavioral Features of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children?

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of pervasive developmental conditions characterized in part by atypical development in social-communicative functions. Novel discoveries regarding the impact of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) on social behavior and its association with ASD prevalence and phenotypic presentation have generated a great deal of interest into OT's possible role in ASD etiology and excitement about its potential as a therapeutic instrument. And yet, many challenges are faced by translational research efforts for OT in ASD. In this manuscript, some of these challenges are addressed, specifically the complexities of OT's behavioral effects, the yet unknown long-term impact of OT, the undetermined neural mechanism underlying OT's effects, and the non-linear impacts OT has on brain and behavior. In conclusion, guidelines for future translational research efforts are suggested. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.