Parenting Pointers with Dr. Claudia - Episode 391

Topic - Treating Autism with Oxytocin. Oxytocin is very powerful. It occurs naturally in the body. This “love hormone” is necessary to begin labor. It impacts heart health, bone formation and wound healing. It’s now used to treat autism to relieve the symptoms of social discomfort. It “lights up” the part of the brain that processes emotional and social information. Delivered as a nasal spray, the effects wear off after a day or two. It tells us the autistic brain can be awakened. But, it may work only in a subtype of those with autism and may increase anxiety. While the effects of long-term use are unknown, the oxytocin spray may be most effective if used just before participating in therapies designed to increase social skills. Autism Speaks is conducting extensive research.