Oxytocin, known as the "mother-infant bond hormone," has shown in studies to be effective in treating the social deficits associated with autism. Oxytocin is a hormone secreted at birth and after, and it helps with the mother-child bond. It also affects other non-mother/child behaviors, such as feeling more open and trusting towards other people. The study shows that oxytocin targets areas of the "social brain," including the medial prefrontal cortex, the temporal parietal junction, the fusiform gyrus, and the superior temporal sulcus. Theses areas of the brain are responsible for taking in and processing social information, including sights, sounds, and cues from people. The study was a double-blind placebo-controlled study, meaning neither the subjects nor the researchers knew who was getting the treatment and who was getting the placebo (an inactive substance). A group of children age 7 to 18 were given a single dose of a nasal spray; one half of the group received a spray with oxytocin, the other half had no active ingredient. The results of the study show that the children who received oxytocin had more activation in the social areas of their brains. While the treatment will require more rigorous study, it does show promise for future autism treatment. Previous studies have investigated oxytocin, and the results show people with autism generally have less of the hormone than typically-developing individuals. Decreased social skills are hallmark symptoms of autism, which is one reason...

Studies suggest oxytocin nasal spray may improve social brain function in autism, showing potential as a treatment.

Oxytocin Hormone Shows Promise for Treating Autism

 Oxytocin, known as the "mother-infant bond hormone," has shown in studies to be effective in treating the social deficits associated with autism. Oxytocin is a hormone secreted at birth and after, and it helps with the mother-child bond. It also affects other non-mother/child behaviors, such as feeling more open and trusting towards other people.   The study shows that oxytocin targets areas of the "social brain," including the medial prefrontal cortex, the temporal parietal junction, the fusiform gyrus, and the superior temporal sulcus. Theses areas of the brain are responsible for taking in and processing social information, including sights, sounds, and cues from people.    The study was a double-blind placebo-controlled study, meaning neither the subjects nor the researchers knew who was getting the treatment and who was getting the placebo (an inactive substance). A group of children age 7 to 18 were given a single dose of a nasal spray; one half of the group received a spray with oxytocin, the other half had no active ingredient.    The results of the study show that the children who received oxytocin had more activation in the social areas of their brains. While the treatment will require more rigorous study, it does show promise for future autism treatment.     Previous studies have investigated oxytocin, and the results show people with autism generally have less of the hormone than typically-developing individuals. Decreased social skills are hallmark symptoms of autism, which is one reason...

If you've ever sat in an IEP meeting and wondered whether the goals on paper reflect what your child can do, the case of Aleysha Ortiz is worth understanding. Ortiz graduated from Hartford Public High School in June 2024 with an honors-level record. She is now a freshman at the University of Connecticut. She says she cannot read or write. In December 2024, she filed a lawsuit in Connecticut Superior Court against the City of Hartford and the Hartford Board of Education, alleging the school system knew about her learning difficulties for years, failed to address them, and allowed her to graduate with a diploma that didn't correspond to any real skills she had developed. What the Records Show The case, reported by CNN and NBC News among others, describes a pattern that stretched over most of her school years. By sixth grade, evaluations placed her reading ability at kindergarten or first-grade level: a child sitting in a classroom, receiving marks that said she was making progress, while school records showed she was reading at a level most children reach before they turn six. She moved through middle and high school asking for dyslexia testing. By her senior year, school staff told her it was too late to do it. The lawsuit alleges negligence against both the city and the board of education, and negligent infliction of emotional distress against a special education caseworker employed by the district. How This Happens The scenario Ortiz describes has...

She Graduated With Honors. She Can't Read or Write. Now She's Suing.

If you've ever sat in an IEP meeting and wondered whether the goals on paper reflect what your child can do, the case of Aleysha Ortiz is worth understanding. Ortiz graduated from Hartford Public High School in June 2024 with an honors-level record. She is now a freshman at the University of Connecticut. She says she cannot read or write. In December 2024, she filed a lawsuit in Connecticut Superior Court against the City of Hartford and the Hartford Board of Education, alleging the school system knew about her learning difficulties for years, failed to address them, and allowed her to graduate with a diploma that didn't correspond to any real skills she had developed.  What the Records Show  The case, reported by CNN and NBC News among others, describes a pattern that stretched over most of her school years. By sixth grade, evaluations placed her reading ability at kindergarten or first-grade level: a child sitting in a classroom, receiving marks that said she was making progress, while school records showed she was reading at a level most children reach before they turn six. She moved through middle and high school asking for dyslexia testing. By her senior year, school staff told her it was too late to do it. The lawsuit alleges negligence against both the city and the board of education, and negligent infliction of emotional distress against a special education caseworker employed by the district.  How This Happens  The scenario Ortiz describes has...

The Quest for Equal Opportunities: Job Support for Individuals with Special Needs Globally. In a world increasingly defined by diversity and inclusivity, one area remains notably challenging - employment for individuals with special needs. However, across countries and continents, concerted efforts are underway to revolutionize such circumstances, championing equal opportunities and job support for all people, regardless of their abilities. Equality in Employment: A Global Endeavor Globally, governments, non-profit organizations, and businesses are harnessing innovative initiatives to facilitate equal opportunities in the world of work for people with special needs. These are not just token gestures of inclusivity, but sustainable strategies anchored on understanding, commitment, and adaptation. The Monolith of Modern Workplace: Adaptive Technologies Among the key strategies being used around the world to boost employment for individuals with special needs is the integration of adaptive technologies into the workplace. Innovations in hearing assistance technology, for instance, allow employees with hearing impairment to efficiently interact with their colleagues, clients, and superiors without impediment. Such advancements in design and compatibility not only empower individuals to successfully carry out their jobs but also inspire confidence, another crucial building block on the path to inclusive employment. Turning Policy into Practice: A Scandinavian Wind Globally-touted models such as Scandinavia lead by example with successful implementation strategies turning non-discrimination policies into tangible real-world progress. A cornerstone of their approach is the focus on 'abilities' and not 'disabilities', tantamount to a paradigm shift in perspective. Their conceit is...

The Quest for Equal Opportunities: Job Support for Individuals with Special Needs Globally

The Quest for Equal Opportunities: Job Support for Individuals with Special Needs Globally. In a world increasingly defined by diversity and inclusivity, one area remains notably challenging - employment for individuals with special needs. However, across countries and continents, concerted efforts are underway to revolutionize such circumstances, championing equal opportunities and job support for all people, regardless of their abilities.  Equality in Employment: A Global Endeavor  Globally, governments, non-profit organizations, and businesses are harnessing innovative initiatives to facilitate equal opportunities in the world of work for people with special needs. These are not just token gestures of inclusivity, but sustainable strategies anchored on understanding, commitment, and adaptation.  The Monolith of Modern Workplace: Adaptive Technologies  Among the key strategies being used around the world to boost employment for individuals with special needs is the integration of adaptive technologies into the workplace. Innovations in hearing assistance technology, for instance, allow employees with hearing impairment to efficiently interact with their colleagues, clients, and superiors without impediment.  Such advancements in design and compatibility not only empower individuals to successfully carry out their jobs but also inspire confidence, another crucial building block on the path to inclusive employment.   Turning Policy into Practice: A Scandinavian Wind  Globally-touted models such as Scandinavia lead by example with successful implementation strategies turning non-discrimination policies into tangible real-world progress. A cornerstone of their approach is the focus on 'abilities' and not 'disabilities', tantamount to a paradigm shift in perspective. Their conceit is...

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Oxytocin Hormone Shows Promise for Treating Autism

She Graduated With Honors. She Can't Read or Write. Now She's Suing.

The Quest for Equal Opportunities: Job Support for Individuals with Special Needs Globally

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Oxytocin Hormone Shows Promise for Treating Autism

She Graduated With Honors. She Can't Read or Write. Now She's Suing.

The Quest for Equal Opportunities: Job Support for Individuals with Special Needs Globally

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
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