It isn’t really possible to narrow autism down to one specific difference or symptom, really it is a combination of many different things. Every single case is unique, which is what makes it so difficult to treat.
In the 70s/80s it was estimated that 1 in every 2,000 kids had autism, the current numbers are 1 in every 150 8 year olds are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD would include subcategories such as Aspergers and pervasive development disorder. Since autism has been more recognized and diagnosed there was an initial spike in the number of cases, but even now with a pretty standard diagnosis there is gradual rise in ASD cases.
The common denominator of autism symptoms is misfiring of normal neuronal synapses. Many proteins, hormones, and genes that play a role in synapse are not working correctly in autism. It is difficult for them to connect longer synapses and shorter synapses tend to over fire
.
This is where the overstimulation comes into play. Because there is so much firing going on in one place it is difficult to connect the other synapses correctly. Many autistic people have a sensitivity to outside stimulants such as lights, sound, and movements.
They also have difficulty handling social situations and other people’s emotions. It is found that autistic people have lower levels of oxytocin. Oxytocin is known as the “love” hormone. It is produced during sex, childbirth, and breast feeding. During the first 6 months of a relationship there are elevated levels of oxytocin, this is the honeymoon stage.
Its emotional responses include trust, relaxation, and psychological stability. In response to stress oxytocin acts as an anxiolytic. People with higher levels of oxytocin are more extroverted and are more sensitive to other people’s emotions.
A small study was done on volunteers with mild ASD where they used oxytocin as a treatment. The oxytocin was taken as a nasal spray. The individuals were better able to handle social situations both at home, in public, and in a clinical setting.
After the success of that study they were given a grant to continue this research. Is this the new future for autistic people? Will they be able to change the social behavior of autistic people? How available will it be? Where do we draw the line, will people take oxytocin just to be more extroverted? Should everyone be more extroverted? With more research, who knows where this will lead us.
