Social behaviors of some autistic children have shown signs of improvement with the implementation of oxytocin treatment.
A recent clinical trial has been conducted to understand why the responses show varying results among different children and which children respond the best.
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An individual who is autistic struggles with their communication patterns and often ends up being socially unadaptable to varying degrees.
However, not all children respond on the same scale to the treatment.
Trained specialists in the field can diagnose autism successfully before a child reaches age 2; however, at times autism can go undetected for a long time.
The reason for symptoms going undetected could be attributed to the diverse symptoms and the fact that every individual has a unique pattern that needs special attention. For instance, a child can show either a unique symptom or a combination of different symptoms.
Though autism disorder is incurable, the individual can be assisted to better cope with symptoms using specific treatments that have proven helpful over a period of time.
Notable specialists conduct clinical trials before concluding the real benefits of new drugs.
Dr. Karen Parker and her team, in coordination with her peers from Stanford University, have brought forward their findings by publishing in an online issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The study conducted earlier showed the varying results that are directly dependent on differing levels of the oxytocin hormone. The hormone has an association with social and emotional responses in an individual.
Children with lower oxytocin levels tend to struggle with their social behaviors.
Nevertheless, some children benefit to a large extent from oxytocin. Further, the study looks at how children with autism respond to oxytocin treatment.
The added considerations further set apart the clinical trials and showcase the benefits of oxytocin while it is improving social behavior.
32 autistic children were enrolled as a part of the trial and were split into groups of two.
Nasal spray treatment was given to the first group and was administered twice daily for a period of 4 weeks. On the other hand, children in the second group were given a placebo spray in a similar fashion.
A set of carefully designed questionnaires by a team of specialists was given to the parents. The parents were then asked to fill in the answers pertaining to the behavioral changes in children prior to the trial as well as post-trial to ascertain the treatment’s effect.
It was observed that children who were administered oxytocin nasal treatment and had lower hormonal levels at the beginning showcased greatly improved behavior symptoms.
The researchers further believe an explanation lies in the biological experimentation which is common during clinical trials, owing to psychiatric and psychological treatments.
Further, the researchers suggest the need to study the benefits of the placebo effect in cases of children with autism.
The researchers also stress the need to carry out the study on a large scale.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
