References 113
in oxytocin receptors show a significant association with impairment in social
interaction and communication in ASD individuals.
A large body of data suggest that oxytocin may play a role in the etiology of
ASD, especially in social impairment. Several exogenous oxytocin treatments
have shown normalization of impaired social functioning among ASD indi-
viduals. Adult ASD patients have displayed reduced repetitive behaviors and
improvement in speech comprehension after infusion with oxytocin. However,
the beneficial effects of oxytocin treatment have not been universal and there
are numerous studies that report negative findings.
We believe that there are several study limitations that might explain the
discrepancies in results, including:
● Exposure differences between the patients and control groups
● Difference in oxytocin effects on lower order of intellectual disability
● Noncomputerized measurement of eye gaze
● Heterogeneity in ASD patients
● Differences in age and diagnostic characteristics between studies
Finally, results of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial evaluat-
ing daily administration of oxytocin in patients with ASD demonstrated
improved social cognition, quality of life, and emotional well‐being with no
serious adverse reactions [117]. Additional studies are needed to further
understand variations between ASD patients in response to intranasal oxy-
tocin therapy and long‐term effects.
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