Oxytocin - the Love hormone. Deficient in ASDs

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I can see the point there. I think we need to be careful not to get caught up with thinking that binds us to "either/or" concepts. Every human being has Oxytocin and Oxytocin plasma in the brain and body; some more or less than others. In my humble opinion the amount of Oxytocin in ones body is going to be directly proportional to ones level of Autism. That is, low Oxytocin, more Autism. I don't think anyone wants to be fully Autistic. Nor does anyone want to be fully dependant on another person for their sense of connection in life.

I think that is where people with Aspergers have, to varying degrees, a fine balance. We, more or less, are in the middle ground. We may be near and amongst people but may not require a daily dose of exclusive connection to another human being. "We" (apologies for the generalisation) are content to just have people next door or down the street or friends on the net or family alive but in another state.

I believe the beauty of Oxytocin is we can take control of our level of desire for connection by naturally increasing or decreasing the levels as desired. "This month I want to be content to just be alone at home and know that my loved ones know I love them. Next month I want to explore something different and enjoy a little intimacy and closeness and reconnect in the same space with my friends and family".



I have not got to the point yet where I can vascillate like that but from what I have read and experienced, it is possible and as simple as changing ones diet and getting a little excercise. I would like to add at this point that, as has been alluded to by other people (including medical proffessionals on the site) there appears to be a correlation between gender and ASD's. I propose that it can also be as simple as adopting the more feminine cultures and practices enjoyed predominantly by women. Some examples are listed in one of my posts above. (This would explain why women tend to not be diagnosed as often as men. It is simple because women, though maybe equally deterred from socialising, are still naturally exposed to more females and feminine culture than males. I would be interested to know how non-heterosexual men fare on the spectrum).

If Oxytocin increases desire for exclusive pair bonding between two individuals of a species (monogamy) then it follows that, though masculine domination of nature has caused destruction of ecosystems, the preferred feminine concept of monogamy has become the dominant relationship model in modern times.

If a person wants a mate these days they must generally commit to a monogamous relationship.

How fascinating! In many ways, masculine thinking dominates; but in other ways a preference for an exclusive relationship, generally attributed to women, controls much of what happens in ones private life.

If I want to increase my Oxytocin levels I generally have to enter into a monogamous relationship. My Oxytocin levels are at their highest during sexual stimulation. I gather that a womans levels are highest when she feels safe and secure in a committed monogamous relationship.

That's the game we play isn't it. We are all trying to get that feel good hormone and most of us compromise a little or lie to get what we want.

Fascinating!

Just some late night rambling...

Family Oxytocin Study at UCSF
Sponsoring Institution: UCSF
Eligible Participants: Parents between 30-60 years old, and adolescents between 14-28 years old with Autism or Asperger’s disorder who see each other frequently
What’s Involved: Parent and child have conversations in the lab on two visits. A nasal spray that may contain oxytocin (a safe hormone naturally produced in your body). Each person will be paid $30 and receive feedback from a psychologist.
For More Information: Contact 415-484-5132