Not SD Related but Truly Fascinating

[AshertoAsher]

Hormone-infused nasal spray found to help people with autism

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/15/AR2010021501984.html

A nasal spray containing a hormone that is known to make women more maternal and men less shy apparently can help those with autism make eye contact and interact better with others, according to a provocative study released Monday.

The study, involving 13 adults with either a high-functioning form of autism or Asperger syndrome, a mild form of the disorder, found that when the subjects inhaled the hormone oxytocin, they scored significantly better on a test that involved recognizing faces and performed much better in a game that involved tossing a ball with others.

[state_of_nowhere]

There are some that believe that autism is the result of a male-dominant brain, so this study would actually support that theory.

[Spectrum]

said Clara Lajonchere, vice president of clinical programs for Autism Speaks.

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww   


Okay, any other issues aside...a nasal spray, really? I think with all the sensory sensitivities that come along with autism, a lot of people wouldn't be able to handle a nasal spray. I highly doubt I'd be able to.

[cowlypso]

13 subjects in the study....  Definitely not a large enough sample size to draw any conclusions... 

[fledchen]

Was a placebo used? How big was the control group? Was there even a control group at all? What were the criteria and how were they measured? How did they account for the learning/practice effect if they were comparing before and after? I could go on and on.

This isn't science. At best, it is an interesting anecdote that could lead to a scientifically rigorous, peer-reviewed study.

[responsiblek9]

 

they scored significantly better on a test that involved recognizing faces

I wonder if it would help with face blindness issues? Interesting

[AshertoAsher]

I just thought it was pretty interesting. It was in the first section of the Washington Post so I thought you guys might be interested. Lemme see if I can find the actual study.

[AshertoAsher]

Ok, if you're interested, here's some more information:
http://www2.cnrs.fr/en/1699.htm

and here's where you can buy the article if you're interested:
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/02/05/0910249107.abstract