New Nasal Spray Could Be Huge Breakthrough in Autism Treatment

by Jacqueline Burt September 20, 2012 at 11:11 PM

Wow. In my opinion, the most recent autism research is also some of the most fascinating to date: A study conducted at the University of North Carolina found that a nasal spray with oxytocin, a naturally produced peptide in the brain, significantly improved social interactions in autistic patients. A nasal spray?! What?!

Actually, when you consider the purpose of oxytocin, it makes a lot of sense. Oxytocin doubles as a neural transmitter, which has the ability to make engaging with other people more pleasurable. Let's put it this way: Oxytocin is the hormone released during breastfeeding, which "promotes a strong sense of love and attachment" between mother and baby.

Powerful stuff, right? Of course, as so many parents know all too well, one of the most heartbreaking aspects of autism is the seeming inability to function "normally" on a social level. So any treatment that might potentially have the ability to ease the process of connecting with others -- even make that process enjoyable -- is huge news.

Of course, more research is required before the potential remedy can be marketed to the public. But the application must have something going for it, considering the military is currently spending $3 million on the development of an anti-suicide nasal spray.

Do you think this treatment has potential?

Image via robin_24/Flickr

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jacqueline Burt

has written for numerous magazines, newspapers, and websites. She is easily bored and often tired, so she requires constant entertainment to keep her awake. Dance, Monkey! Dance!

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Comments 10

lovesouldoula

September 20, 2012 at 11:54 PM

So this would be a synthetic form of oxytocin, created in a lab by a pharmaceutical company, that we are talking about, right?

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douxmusique

September 21, 2012 at 12:13 AM

Right. I hope there are studies and its proved safe with minimal.side effects but until then....

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Nonmember comment from zizzler

September 21, 2012 at 12:45 AM

would people really be interested in false chemical induced "affection" from their children....?

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Nonmember comment from Mamamaegs

September 21, 2012 at 2:34 AM

Yes it would be a synthetic form created in a lab by a pharmaceutical lab just like vitamins from nature that are reproduced in a synthetic form in a pharmaceutical lab! Why not just be excited that there is research and potential treatments being developed that could help these children affected by autism.

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rightside

September 21, 2012 at 7:41 AM

My son is autistic, and I wouldn't use this spray. Then again, my son is very high-functioning, and is doing quite well with social interactions thanks to years of therapy. I can see how parents of some autistic kids would be excited about this - just not me.

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HeatherLynn927

September 21, 2012 at 9:15 AM

I completely agree with mamamaegs. My 3 year old has the most anxiety i've ever seen anyone have because he's unable to be social with his dad and i. I'm thrilled that we're getting closer to all the right treatments. But to be honest, maybe a dissolvable type of Oxytocin would be a better form of treatment for toddlers and youth with autism. My son hates nasal things,

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Nonmember comment from Jenifer

September 21, 2012 at 9:23 AM

My eight year old would never take it. I can't even get him to take cold medicine when he's sick, ha. That said, this is a very interesting development. He's quite well attached to his father and I, but his social interactions with others are pretty disordered, still. So long as he's not stomping (literally or figuratively) on folks' boundaries, though, I'm willing to let it go. He's pretty low-functioning, but affectionate. I am very lucky and know it, and I'd rather not push it. Now, if they had a magic bullet for potty training, I'd consider it! I've been changing diapers every day for twelve years now (he's got older and younger brothers and a sister on the way) with no end in sight.

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Nonmember comment from jdoggett

September 21, 2012 at 9:28 AM

Absolutely! I would try it! It has been a fight for years to get my son to take medicines because of his sensory issues with taste and texture but he will take a nasal spray. Ive been waiting for someone to come up with vitamins supplements and medicines in cream formula and more than just meds in a nasal pray.

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lovesouldoula

September 22, 2012 at 1:27 AM

Why not be excited that the same companies who contribute to the overall poor health of our children, companies who produce genetically modified food, spray poisonous pesticides all over our crops, spewing toxic chemicals in our air, advertise processed,sugary "foods" to the masses(under the guise that its actually BETTER for us;hello, splenda, anyone) and then create "medication" to "treat" our childrens ailments, all while refusing to acknowledge any wrongdoings or guilt, what, why not just be happy that they have "found a cure" for all of the sick children that they have poisoned? Oh, I don't know, probably because I'm not so foolish to think that a pharmaceutical company is worried about my kid or my friends kid more than their own bottom line. Wake up people. Monsanto owns Pfizer, or did you not get the memo.

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