Using Oxytocin as a Therapy for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Babu, Alisha

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125414 Copy

Description

Title

Using Oxytocin as a Therapy for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Author(s)

Babu, Alisha

Issue Date

2023

Keyword(s)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• oxytocin therapy

Date of Ingest

2025-01-30T15:45:45-06:00

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder with many symptoms ranging from a lack of social skills and communication to repetitive actions and behaviors. The disorder is characterized by a large spectrum, making it difficult to diagnose, due to the wide variety of symptoms it can portray in affected people. ASD poses a challenge on a worldwide scale due to lack of information regarding causes or curative treatment. Though there are no acknowledged cures, there are many types of therapies for children with ASD - all aimed at improving their symptoms (“Autism spectrum disorder”, 2022). One possible treatment option that is being researched is ‘Oxytocin Therapy’. Oxytocin therapy utilizes oxytocin -a hormone/chemical messenger that promotes qualities of recognition, trust, and bonding which leads to its positive enforcement of social interactions in people (DeAngelis, 2008). These qualities are what led to the development of a hypothesis that this hormone could be administered in a therapeutic form to improve the social functioning in those diagnosed with ASD (Ford, n.d.). This neuropeptide is administered intranasally and has been researched mostly in young children and teenagers. The results from these studies prove to be controversial as they display both positive as well as negative findings. Hence, further research needs to be conducted on oxytocin therapy before a comprehensible conclusion can be made on its outcome.

Publisher

University of Illinois Undergraduate Neuroscience Society

Type of Resource

text

Genre of Resource

article

Language

eng

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Alisha Babu

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