Animal studies suggest that oxytocin facilitates social cognitive abilities crucial to social success and is involved in prosocial behavior in healthy humans. Dr. Hollanders lab seeks to apply these findings to the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Oxytocin may play a role in autism, given that social interaction deficits are a core feature of autism, and that oxytocin is involved in regulating affiliative behaviors. Studies also show that intravenous administration of oxytocin reduces repetitive behaviors and improves social memory. Series: M.I.N.D. Institute Lecture Series on Neurodevelopmental Disorders [4/2009] [Health and Medicine] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 16228]