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Nasal spray raises hope for autistics | A nasal spray containing oxytocin, the 'bonding' hormone, can help alleviate some symptoms of autism, scientists have found. In the study, which was carried out on 13 patients with high-functioning
autism, defined as those of normal or above-normal intelligence, researchers found
that participants who inhaled the spray altered their behaviour temporarily, becoming
more sociable and trusting, reports The Times. Autism and Asperger's, a related
syndrome, impede the ability to communicate or form relationships. Many people
with the conditions find it difficult even to meet someone else's eye. "Under
oxytocin, patients with high-functioning autism respond more strongly to others
and exhibit more appropriate social behaviour," wrote Elissar Andari, of the Institut
des Sciences Cognitives, a French government centre for neuroscience research,
in a summary of a recent conference presentation. In a summary of her presentation
to the Mediterranean Conference of Neuroscience, held in Egypt, Andari said the
results "suggested a therapeutic potential of oxytocin through its action on a
core dimension of autism". Dr Gina Owens, research leader at the National Autistic
Society, said: "Further rigorous scientific evaluation is necessary before we
can fully assess any potential benefits. As autism affects people in very different
ways, any intervention that may help one person may not be effective for another." |
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