scholarly journals Atomoxetine in Autism Spectrum Disorder: No Effects on Social Functioning; Some Beneficial Effects on Stereotyped Behaviors, Inappropriate Speech, and Fear of Change

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 481-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Harfterkamp ◽  
Jan K. Buitelaar ◽  
Ruud B. Minderaa ◽  
Gigi van de Loo-Neus ◽  
Rutger-Jan van der Gaag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Stereotyped Behaviors

The Dopamine Hypothesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Revisited: Current Status and Future Prospects

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Denis Pavăl ◽  
Ioana Valentina Micluția
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Dopaminergic System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Autistic Behavior ◽  
Stereotyped Behaviors ◽  
Dopamine Hypothesis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social deficits and stereotyped behaviors. Despite intensive research, its etiopathogenesis remains largely unclear. Although studies consistently reported dopaminergic anomalies, a coherent dopaminergic model of ASD was lacking until recently. In 2017, we provided a theoretical framework for a “dopamine hypothesis of ASD” which proposed that autistic behavior arises from a dysfunctional midbrain dopaminergic system. Namely, we hypothesized that malfunction of 2 critical circuits originating in the midbrain, that is, the mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways, generates the core behavioral features of ASD. Moreover, we provided key predictions of our model along with testing means. Since then, a notable number of studies referenced our work and numerous others provided support for our model. To account for these developments, we review all these recent data and discuss their implications. Furthermore, in the light of these new insights, we further refine and reconceptualize our model, debating on the possibility that various etiologies of ASD converge upon a dysfunctional midbrain dopaminergic system. In addition, we discuss future prospects, providing new means of testing our hypothesis, as well as its limitations. Along these lines, we aimed to provide a model which, if confirmed, could provide a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of ASD along with new therapeutic strategies.

scholarly journals Scoping Review: Physical Activity and Social Functioning in Young People With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole J. Reinders ◽  
Alexandra Branco ◽  
Kristen Wright ◽  
Paula C. Fletcher ◽  
Pamela J. Bryden
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young People ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder

scholarly journals Defining behavioral components of social functioning in adults with autism spectrum disorder as targets for treatment

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 488-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley A. Pallathra ◽  
Monica E. Calkins ◽  
Julia Parish-Morris ◽  
Brenna B. Maddox ◽  
Leat S. Perez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adults With Autism

scholarly journals Vasopressin in the Amelioration of Social Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed A. Hendaus ◽  
Fatima A. Jomha ◽  
Ahmed H. Alhammadi
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Pharmacological Agents ◽  
Patterns Of Behavior

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability described by diagnostic criteria that comprise deficits in social communication and the existence of repetitive, restricted patterns of behavior, interests, or activities that can last throughout life. Many preclinical studies show the importance of arginine vasopressin (AVP) physiology in social functioning in several mammalian species. Currently, there is a trend to investigate more specific pharmacological agents to improve social functioning in patients with ASD. Neurobiological systems that are crucial for social functioning are the most encouraging conceivable signaling pathways for ASD therapeutic discovery. The AVP signaling pathway is one of the most promising. The purpose of this commentary is to detail the evidence on the use of AVP as an agent that can improve social functioning. The pharmacologic aspects of the drug as well as its potential to ameliorate social functioning characteristics in human and animal studies are described in this manuscript. AVP, especially in its inhaled form, seems to be safe and beneficial in improving social functioning including in children with autism. Larger randomized studies are required to implement a long awaited safe and feasible treatment in people with a deficiency in social functioning.

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