CompletedPhase 3ACTRN12609000368235

The effect of Oxytocin (OT) on social cognition and behaviour in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

THe effects of Oxytocin in young people with Autism to treat social communication problems

Sponsor

University of Sydney

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Oct 3, 2008

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Autism

Summary

This study tests whether Oxytocin improves the social communication problems in young people with Autism. It is predicted that individuals from the community diagnosed with autism or asperger's disorder who receive a single dose of oxytocin nasal spray will show improved performance on social cognition tests in comparison to performance on these tests under a placebo. Two single session assessment sessions within a two week period are conducted using a crossover design. All subjects, therapists, assessors, and data entry staff are blind to condition.

Eligibility

Sex: MalesMin Age: 12 YearssMax Age: 20 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tests whether a nasal spray containing oxytocin (sometimes called the 'social hormone') can improve social understanding and behavior in male youth aged 12 to 20 who have been diagnosed with Autism or Asperger disorder.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

Young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders are given a single dose of oxytocin nasal spray or an identical placebo in a crossover design with a one-week washout period. For children between the age

Young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders are given a single dose of oxytocin nasal spray or an identical placebo in a crossover design with a one-week washout period. For children between the age of 12 and 15 we use a 18 International Unit dose, while people between the age of 16 and 20 receive a 24 International Unit dose. Participants receive the nasal spray, wait 45 minutes and complete experimental tasks. Participants return one week later to receive the nasal spray again, wait 45 minutes and complete the same experimental tasks. On both occasions participants are observed for a period of 1.5 hours while they complete social cognition tasks. These tasks include emotion recognition (Reading the mind in the eyes) as well as eye-tracking when viewing human faces. The entire trial is completed within these two experimental testing sessions.