Dr. Karen Parker and Dr. Andrew Huberman: The Causes and Treatments for Autism

The video is about Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Karen Parker discussing the causes and treatments for autism. Dr. Parker is the director of the social neurosciences research program at Stanford University School of Medicine. The goal of her laboratory's research is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life. The video covers the incidence of autism, the causes of autism, and new research findings from Dr. Parker's laboratory that point to a new understanding of what causes autism and a novel treatment for autism. The video also mentions the sponsors, Eight Sleep and Element, and their products.

This video by Andrew Huberman was published on Dec 11, 2023.
Video length: 02:56:28.

The video is about Dr. Karen Parker and her research on the causes and treatments for autism.

Dr. Parker is the director of the social neurosciences research program at Stanford University School of Medicine. The goal of her research is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life, including the bonds that form between infants and parents, as well as the bonds that occur between children as they grow. The video discusses the current understanding of the biological basis of autism, as well as new research findings from Dr. Parker's laboratory that point to a new understanding of what causes autism and a novel treatment for autism.

The video also mentions the sponsors of the podcast, including Eight Sleep and Element.

• Dr. Karen Parker is the director of the social neurosciences research program at Stanford University School of Medicine.
• The goal of her laboratory's research is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life.
• The incidence of autism has increased over time.
• Children with autism are now being diagnosed at a younger age.
• There are more pediatricians with autism screeners now.
• The prevalence of autism is higher in males than females.
• Autism is a highly clinically heterogeneous disorder.
• Different studies show that about three to four boys are impacted by autism for every one girl.
• Physicians are able to detect autism early in a 2-year-old or a 3-year-old, but they rely heavily on tests that do not rely on language or extensive vocabulary.
• Autism is diagnosed by an expert, usually a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
• The two core features of autism are pervasive social interaction challenges and the presence of restricted repetitive behavior.
• There are a lot of people with autism who have anxiety, sensory challenges, and seizure disorder.
• Each person with autism has a unique collection of traits, and this is how they get diagnosed.
• Behavioral interventions are used to treat autism.
• There are studies where autism is highly heritable, and enriching the population of infants followed prospectively is used to measure autistic traits.
• Individuals in intense STEM fields like engineering, physics, and math have a greater burden of autistic traits even if they don't have an autism diagnosis.
• The business of autism spectrum is multiple spectrums, not just a spectrum of severity.
• Severity of autism is not the only way to understand autism spectrum.
• There are people who have self-identified as autistic and seem pretty high functioning.
• People who have self-identified as autistic have driver's licenses, drive cars, are in healthy relationships, and manage life.
• At the other end of the spectrum, people who have severe autism are unable to live independently and require full-time care.

Dr. Karen Parker: The Causes & Treatments for Autism - YouTube

Introduction

• Welcome to the Huberman Lab podcast
• Hosted by Andrew Huberman, a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine
• Guest is Dr. Karen Parker, director of the social neurosciences research program at Stanford University School of Medicine
• Goal of the laboratory's research is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life

Increase in Autism Incidence

• Discussion of the increase in the incidence of autism in the last 10 to 15 years
• Explanation of why the incidence has so dramatically increased
• Presentation of new research findings from Dr. Parker's laboratory that point to a new understanding of what causes autism
• Explanation of a novel treatment for autism

Causes of Autism

• Discussion of prominent theories and current understanding of the biological basis of autism
• Explanation of what remains mysterious and unresolved about the causes of autism

Dr. Karen Parker: The Causes & Treatments for Autism - YouTube

Sponsors

• First sponsor is Eight Sleep, a company that makes smart mattress covers with cooling, heating, and sleep tracking capacity
• Explanation of the importance of controlling the temperature of your sleeping environment for getting a great night's sleep
• Second sponsor is Element, an electrolyte drink that has everything you need and nothing you don't
• Explanation of the importance of proper hydration and the appropriate amount of electrolytes in the body for mental and physical functioning

Section 1: Introduction

• The video is about Dr. Karen Parker discussing the causes and treatments for autism.
• Dr. Parker is the director of the social neurosciences research program at Stanford University School of Medicine.
• The goal of her laboratory's research is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life.
• The video covers the incidence of autism, the causes of autism, and new research findings from Dr. Parker's laboratory that point to a new understanding of what causes autism and a novel treatment for autism.

Section 2: Incidence of Autism

• The incidence of autism has increased over time.
• Children with autism are now being diagnosed at a younger age.
• There are more pediatricians with autism screeners now.
• The prevalence of autism is higher in males than females.
• The prevalence of autism varies depending on the monitoring site.

Section 3: Causes of Autism

• Autism is a highly clinically heterogeneous disorder.
• Different studies show that about three to four boys are impacted by autism for every one girl.
• The prevalence rate of autism varies depending on the monitoring site.
• The way in which data on autism prevalence is generated in the US is through the CDC with 11 monitoring sites across the country.
• Physicians are able to detect autism early in a 2-year-old or a 3-year-old, but they rely heavily on tests that do not rely on language or extensive vocabulary.

Section 4: Diagnostic Tools for Autism

• Autism is a behavioral diagnosis.
• There are no blood tests or other tools for diagnosing autism.
• Diagnostic tools for autism include language, vision, and abnormal auditory processing.
• It is not appropriate for people to diagnose themselves or others based on these tools.

Introduction

• The video is about Dr. Karen Parker discussing the causes and treatments for autism.
• Dr. Parker is the director of the social neurosciences research program at Stanford University School of Medicine.
• The goal of her laboratory's research is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life.
• The video covers the incidence of autism, the causes of autism, and new research findings from Dr. Parker's laboratory that point to a new understanding of what causes autism and a novel treatment for autism.

Diagnosis of Autism

• Autism is diagnosed by an expert, usually a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
• The two core features of autism are pervasive social interaction challenges and the presence of restricted repetitive behavior.
• There are a lot of people with autism who have anxiety, sensory challenges, and seizure disorder.
• Each person with autism has a unique collection of traits, and this is how they get diagnosed.

Behavioral Interventions

• Behavioral interventions are used to treat autism.
• There are studies where autism is highly heritable, and enriching the population of infants followed prospectively is used to measure autistic traits.
• Individuals in intense STEM fields like engineering, physics, and math have a greater burden of autistic traits even if they don't have an autism diagnosis.
• The business of autism spectrum is multiple spectrums, not just a spectrum of severity.

Severity of Autism

• Severity of autism is not the only way to understand autism spectrum.
• There are people who have self-identified as autistic and seem pretty high functioning.
• People who have self-identified as autistic have driver's licenses, drive cars, are in healthy relationships, and manage life.
• At the other end of the spectrum, people who have severe autism are unable to live independently and require full-time care.

Section 1: Understanding Autism

• Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by differences in social behavior, communication, and cognitive functioning.
• It is often thought of as a spectrum disorder, with a range of severity and stereotypical behaviors.
• There is ongoing debate about whether autism should be thought of as a spectrum of severity or a spectrum of stereotypical behaviors.
• There may be multiple dimensions to the autism spectrum, not just one line that goes from severe to mild.
• Understanding the biological basis of behavior is crucial to understanding autism and its treatment.

Section 2: Genetics of Autism

• Autism is highly heritable, with about 40-80% of cases being genetic.
• The common thinking is that the majority of autism is associated with common genetic variants.
• These variants are additive, meaning that the more of them a person has, the more severe their autism symptoms are.
• There is a lot that is not known about autism, and what is brought up highlights the difficulty of diagnosing and treating the disorder.
• There has been no specific neural network that has been identified as different in people with autism.

Section 3: Neuroscience of Autism

• It is difficult to study autism in people due to limited access to cerebral spinal fluid and brain tissue biopsies.
• Neuroscientists and psychiatrists need to think about control animals and make sure that the species they are modeling has features of control humans.
• There may be multiple dimensions to the autism spectrum, not just one line that goes from severe to mild.
• There is ongoing debate about whether autism should be thought of as a spectrum of severity or a spectrum of stereotypical behaviors.
• Understanding the biological basis of behavior is crucial to understanding autism and its treatment.

Section 4: Treatment of Autism

• There is ongoing research into the causes and treatments of autism.
• New research findings from Dr. Parker's laboratory point to a new understanding of what causes autism and a novel treatment for autism.
• The video mentions sponsors, Eight Sleep and Element, and their products.
• The goal of Dr. Parker's laboratory's research is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life.
• The video covers the incidence of autism, the causes of autism, and new research findings from Dr. Parker's laboratory that point to a new understanding of what causes autism and a novel treatment for autism.

Introduction

• The video is about Dr. Karen Parker discussing the causes and treatments for autism.
• Dr. Parker is the director of the social neurosciences research program at Stanford University School of Medicine.
• The goal of her laboratory's research is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life.

The Incidence of Autism

• Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior.
• The incidence of autism has been increasing in recent years, with an estimated 1 in 54 children being diagnosed with the condition.

The Causes of Autism

• The exact cause of autism is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• Genetic factors are thought to play a role in the development of autism, with certain genes increasing the risk of the condition.
• Environmental factors, such as prenatal exposure to toxins and infections, are also believed to play a role in the development of autism.

New Research Findings

• Recent research has identified new treatments for autism, including drugs that target specific brain pathways.
• One promising treatment is a drug called mGluR5 antagonists, which have been shown to improve social communication in people with autism.
• Other treatments being explored include drugs that target the gut-brain axis, as well as therapies that focus on improving social skills and communication.

The Causes of Autism

• Autism is a heterogeneous genetic disorder with high penetrance.
• There are neurogenetic syndromes that have high penetrance for autism.
• Fragile X is a good example of a neurogenetic syndrome that has high penetrance for autism.
• Timothy syndrome is another disease that has high penetrance for autism.
• It is possible that what we call autism is actually like 50 different disorders or conditions.

Treatments for Autism

• Experimental studies are difficult to do with developing children.
• Genetically defined subgroups of individuals need to be tested for G by Gene by environment interactions.
• Medications that could work for a handful of kids in a trial may not be statistically powered to see it.
• There is a need to explore the relationship between autism and other issues like cardiac issues, gut issues, heart issues, and muscular skeletal issues.
• It is important to understand what autism really centers around and what diagnostic criteria are used to decide if a child has autism.

Understanding Autism

• Autism is a heterogeneous genetic disorder with high penetrance.
• There are neurogenetic syndromes that have high penetrance for autism.
• Fragile X is a good example of a neurogenetic syndrome that has high penetrance for autism.
• Timothy syndrome is another disease that has high penetrance for autism.
• It is possible that what we call autism is actually like 50 different disorders or conditions.

Conclusion

• Experimental studies are difficult to do with developing children.
• Genetically defined subgroups of individuals need to be tested for G by Gene by environment interactions.
• Medications that could work for a handful of kids in a trial may not be statistically powered to see it.
• There is a need to explore the relationship between autism and other issues like cardiac issues, gut issues, heart issues, and muscular skeletal issues.
• It is important to understand what autism really centers around and what diagnostic criteria are used to decide if a child has autism.

Introduction

• The video is about Dr. Karen Parker discussing the causes and treatments for autism.
• Dr. Parker is the director of the social neurosciences research program at Stanford University School of Medicine.
• The goal of her laboratory's research is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life.
• The video covers the incidence of autism, the causes of autism, and new research findings from Dr. Parker's laboratory that point to a new understanding of what causes autism and a novel treatment for autism.

Incidence of Autism

• Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior.
• The incidence of autism has been increasing in recent years, with an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States being diagnosed with the condition.

Causes of Autism

• The exact cause of autism is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• Research has shown that there is a higher risk of autism in families with a history of the condition.
• Environmental factors such as exposure to toxins and infections during pregnancy or early childhood may also play a role.

New Research Findings

• Dr. Parker's laboratory has conducted research on the gut microbiome and its role in autism.
• The study found that children with autism had a different composition of gut bacteria compared to typically developing children.
• The study also found that probiotics and prebiotics, which are beneficial for gut health, may be effective in treating autism.

Sponsors

• The video is sponsored by Eight Sleep and Element.
• Eight Sleep is a company that produces smart mattresses and bedding that tracks sleep and provides personalized recommendations for improving sleep quality.
• Element is a company that produces eco-friendly and sustainable products for the home, including air purifiers and water filters.

Naming Conventions in Medicine

• Viruses are often named after where they were first found.
• Hormones like oxytocin have multiple names.
• Genes can also be named twice, leading to confusion.
• Historically, hormones like oxytocin were only appreciated for their physiological roles.
• Anatomists discovered that oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and has actions in the brain.

Oxytocin and Motherhood

• Oxytocin is orchestrating all events of motherhood.
• Sheep and goats have offspring that are precocious, meaning they are born ready to run with the herd.
• Oxytocin is co-released into the brain during milk let down, turning on Mother Love.
• Oxytocin plays a role in rodent maternal care and other instances of bonding.
• The question arises whether oxytocin is also released in the baby in reaction to the mother, and how long the effect lasts.

Oxytocin and Mother-Infant Bonding

• Oxytocin is released in the mother when she interacts with her own baby, leading to a pervasive bond.
• The mechanism that allows for mother-infant bonding by oxytocin is changing their brains, saying it's you are the center of my life.
• The baby is also saying well you are my life because you are the source of life.
• Oxytocin works over the course of minutes to hours, and there is specificity of the baby and the mom that links them in a more pervasive way.
• Oxytocin is species-specific, and the evolutionary history of the species plays a role in its function.

Section 1: Lactation and Oxytocin

• Lactation is a natural process that occurs in mammals, including humans.
• Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a role in lactation and bonding with offspring.
• The release of oxytocin is triggered by events that create bonding, such as childbirth.
• Oxytocin's role is to create bonding with offspring, which is a tough one to mistake.
• In primate species, such as humans, we live in extended family groups and have a long rearing history with help from the family and biparental care.

Section 2: Bonding in Primates

• Bonding between a mother and her offspring is an evolutionary selective pressure in primate species.
• Social interactions are rewarding from infancy and keep us alive.
• Disorders such as autism and drug abuse are associated with lack of social connectedness.
• Oxytocin is released during mother-infant bonding, and it is thought to play a role in romantic partner bonding as well.
• The role of oxytocin in humans is not fully understood, and more research is needed to understand its specific functions and effects.

Section 3: Lactation and Postpartum Complications

• Lactation did not work out well for the speaker due to postpartum complications.
• The speaker had a C-section and was unable to lactate properly after her son was born.
• The speaker's friend had a massive DVT and pulmonary embolism after giving birth, almost dying as a result.
• The speaker did not have a vaginal delivery and was not able to lactate properly.
• The speaker's experience with lactation and postpartum complications highlights the importance of proper care and support during childbirth and lactation.

Section 4: Oxytocin and Social Connectedness

• Oxytocin is released during mother-infant bonding and is thought to play a role in romantic partner bonding as well.
• Disorders such as autism and drug abuse are associated with lack of social connectedness.
• Social interactions are rewarding from infancy and keep us alive.
• The role of oxytocin in humans is not fully understood, and more research is needed to understand its specific functions and effects.
• The evolutionary selective pressure for bonding in primate species highlights the importance of social connectedness for our survival and well-being.

Section 1: Introduction

• The video is about Dr. Karen Parker discussing the causes and treatments for autism.
• Dr. Parker is the director of the social neurosciences research program at Stanford University School of Medicine.
• The goal of her laboratory's research is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life.
• The video covers the incidence of autism, the causes of autism, and new research findings from Dr. Parker's laboratory that point to a new understanding of what causes autism and a novel treatment for autism.

Section 2: Studying Autism

• To study autism, it is important to study specific subpopulations of individuals with autism.
• Radio tracers can be used to study the activation and uptake of compounds in the brain after someone performs a task.
• Imaging studies can be done using intranasal oxytocin and then asking questions about the person's response to the oxytocin and trenas.
• Oxytocin has been found to reduce the amygdala's response to fearful stimuli, which may have a pro-social effect.

Section 3: Oxytocin and Autism

• Oxytocin has been discussed as the trust hormone, but it is also known as the love hormone.
• Studies have shown that oxytocin can reduce the output of the amygdala in some way, which is associated with threat detection.
• It is possible that oxytocin could bias a person toward being more pro-social.
• There have been studies exploring the role of oxytocin in making autistic children more pro-social.

Section 4: Autism and Social Features

• The social features of autism are interesting and can be subtyped into different phenotypes.
• Some autistic individuals may be socially avoidant and not want to have social interactions.
• Others may be active but odd, interacting in ways that other kids don't understand or make.
• Bullying is often a problem for autistic children in school settings.

Section 1: Introduction to Dr. Karen Parker and her research

• Dr. Karen Parker is the director of the social neurosciences research program at Stanford University School of Medicine.
• Her laboratory's research focuses on understanding the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life.
• The video covers the incidence of autism, the causes of autism, and new research findings from Dr. Parker's laboratory.

Section 2: Incidence of Autism

• Autism is more common in males than females.
• There is a higher incidence of autism in males, but it is not a terrible place to start research.

Section 3: Oxytocin and Autism

• Oxytocin has been studied as a potential therapy for autism.
• There have been studies looking at the effectiveness of oxytocin in people with high-functioning autism.
• Some early studies showed that a single dose of oxytocin had potential effectiveness.
• There is a strong interest in the field to think about oxytocin as a potential therapy for autism.

Section 4: Availability of Oxytocin and Prescription Requirements

• Oxytocin is not available over the counter and requires a prescription.
• There are only two drugs approved by the FDA to treat autism, both antipsychotics.
• Oxytocin is not one of the approved drugs to treat autism.

Supplements and Oxytocin

• Supplements can help increase optimal levels of oxytocin.
• Insid tracker is a product that can help track and optimize oxytocin levels.
• Dr. Huberman is offering a 20% discount on any Insid tracker plans through Insid tracker.com/huberman.
• It is not known whether people with autism have lower natural circulating or active levels of oxytocin.
• Oxytocin has effects in both the body and the brain and is released into the blood and directly into the brain.

Measuring Oxytocin

• There is variable evidence about whether measuring oxytocin in blood is a readout of the brain or not.
• Most studies suggest that looking at spinal fluid may be a better biochemical proxy of the brain.
• There have been small studies where there has been some benefit from oxytocin treatment in individuals with autism.
• In a study at Stanford, genetic modification of mice with neurogenetic syndromes resulted in a reduction of oxytocin in the hypothalamus.
• Giving oxytocin across development in these mice restored oxytocin neuron number to an equivalent of control animals.

Oxytocin and Autism

• It is not clear whether people with autism have lower natural circulating or active levels of oxytocin.
• Oxytocin has effects in both the body and the brain and is released into the blood and directly into the brain.
• There have been small studies where there has been some benefit from oxytocin treatment in individuals with autism.
• In a study at Stanford, genetic modification of mice with neurogenetic syndromes resulted in a reduction of oxytocin in the hypothalamus.
• Giving oxytocin across development in these mice restored oxytocin neuron number to an equivalent of control animals.

Oxytocin Treatment for Autism

• The first group to ask across a range of individuals who showed up for a clinical trial was the one done with Dr. Antonio Harden at Stanford.
• The investigative team was blind and the families and children were also blind.
• The study asked if individuals with lower pre-treatment blood oxytocin levels would benefit from treatment.
• The study found that the lower the baseline oxytocin level, the greater the benefit from the oxytocin intervention.
• The study saw effectiveness in both male and female subjects, but boys and girls were included in the study.

Section 1: Introduction

• The video is about Dr. Karen Parker discussing the causes and treatments for autism.
• Dr. Parker is the director of the social neurosciences research program at Stanford University School of Medicine.
• The goal of her laboratory's research is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life.
• The video covers the incidence of autism, the causes of autism, and new research findings from Dr. Parker's laboratory that point to a new understanding of what causes autism and a novel treatment for autism.

Section 2: Incidence of Autism

• The incidence of autism is increasing, with an estimated 1 in 54 children being diagnosed with the condition in the United States.
• The exact cause of autism is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Section 3: Causes of Autism

• Research has shown that there are several factors that may contribute to the development of autism, including genetics, environmental factors, and brain development.
• Some studies have suggested that exposure to toxins, infections, and other environmental factors during pregnancy or early childhood may increase the risk of autism.
• Other research has focused on the role of genetics in autism, with some studies identifying specific genes that may be associated with the condition.

Section 4: Treatment for Autism

• There is currently no cure for autism, but there are several treatments available that can help individuals with the condition.
• Behavioral interventions, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) and social skills training, are often used to help individuals with autism develop social skills and improve communication.
• Medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, may also be used to help manage symptoms associated with autism, such as anxiety and depression.

Section 1: Oxytocin as a Treatment for Autism

• Dr. Karen Parker discusses the use of oxytocin as a treatment for autism.
• Oxytocin is relatively safe in a pediatric population.
• Physicians may not prescribe oxytocin if they do not see a benefit from clinical trials.
• Identifying a group of children who could benefit from oxytocin is important to create opportunities for physicians to recognize its potential as a treatment.
• Dr. Parker mentions vasopressin as another potential treatment for autism.

Section 2: Vasopressin as a Treatment for Autism

• Dr. Parker discusses vasopressin as a potential treatment for autism.
• Vasopressin may be more effective in younger children with autism.
• Dr. Parker mentions the importance of identifying the primary outcome of a trial to determine its effectiveness.

Section 3: Neuroplasticity and Autism

• Dr. Parker discusses the role of neuroplasticity in treating autism.
• SSRIs and atypical anti-depressants like Ryon Wellbutrin may be used to induce neuroplasticity in autism.
• Psilocybin trials are not just about psilocybin, but about neuroplasticity.
• Other drugs like atypical anti-depressants in kids with autism may be used to rewire the brain.

Section 4: Trials and Outcomes for Autism Treatments

• Dr. Parker discusses ongoing trials exploring the use of psilocybin, MDMA, and other drugs to treat autism.
• Identifying the primary outcome of a trial is important to determine its effectiveness.
• Dr. Parker mentions the importance of considering subsets of children with autism when designing trials.

Section 1: Early Examination of Children with Autism

• The goal of early examination of children with autism is to understand the biological basis of social functioning at every stage of life.
• Early examination of children with autism can help in identifying and diagnosing the condition at an early stage.
• Early intervention can be more effective if it is behavioral and drug intervention.
• Clinic wait times can be long, and it is important to have a specialist who can diagnose autism.
• Laboratory-based tests can be developed for detection or clinical referral, such as a biomarker panel that can prioritize people for diagnosis.

Section 2: Barriers to Early Intervention

• Laboratory-based tests for autism are not yet widely available and can be expensive.
• Clinicians may not want to replace expert clinical opinion with a 30-second video clip.
• Scalability is a barrier to early intervention for autism.
• Clinicians may not have the extensive training needed to make expert diagnoses.
• Access to resources is a barrier to early intervention for autism, particularly in impoverished areas.

Section 3: Technicians for Diagnosis

• Technically, a DSM diagnosis requires a clinical degree, such as a clinical psychologist, behavioral pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or child neurologist.
• Training for diagnosing autism requires years of experience and expertise.
• If there is a solution that allows for a more democratic approach to diagnosing autism, it could be impactful.
• Human trials are exploring the use of MDMA, methylene dioxyamphetamine, also known as ecstasy, for treatment of autism.
• It is important to have a specialist who can diagnose autism, even if it is a 12-month or 18-month wait time.

Section 4: Conclusion

• Early examination of children with autism is important for understanding the biological basis of social functioning and for early intervention.
• Laboratory-based tests for autism can be developed for detection or clinical referral, but scalability and access to resources are barriers.
• Technically, a DSM diagnosis requires a clinical degree, but training for diagnosing autism requires years of experience and expertise.
• Human trials are exploring the use of MDMA for treatment of autism, but it is important to have a specialist who can diagnose autism.
• Overall, early examination and intervention for autism are crucial for improving outcomes for individuals with the condition.

MDMA and Serotonin Release

• MDMA causes massive increases in serotonin release in the brain.
• The release of serotonin, dopamine, and a propensity to enhance neuroplasticity are the major effects of MDMA.
• Oxytocin also releases serotonin, dopamine, and enhances neuroplasticity.
• MDMA and oxytocin can synergize, but oxytocin release is not the only source of the MDMA effect.

Potential Use of MDMA for Autism

• MDMA may not be the perfect drug for autism, but it could potentially induce the kind of plasticity that someone with autism would be seeking.
• The tricky part is that there may be a reluctance to give psychedelics to children with autism.
• There is a need to modify the chemical compound of MDMA to be something that parents might be more willing to give to their children.
• Exploring the development of a human trial of a chemically similar compound to MDMA could be a viable option.

Vasopressin and Autism

• Vasopressin is a molecule chemically similar to oxytocin and is made in the hypothalamus.
• Vasopressin is released throughout the brain and has receptors all over the brain.
• Vasopressin is critical for male social behavior, including pair bonding and paternal care.
• Studies have shown that vasopressin is involved in polygamy versus monogamy in certain species.

Conclusion

• MDMA and oxytocin can synergize, but oxytocin release is not the only source of the MDMA effect.
• Exploring the development of a human trial of a chemically similar compound to MDMA could be a viable option.
• Vasopressin is critical for male social behavior, including pair bonding and paternal care.
• Studies have shown that vasopressin is involved in polygamy versus monogamy in certain species.

Section 1: Prairie Voles and Montaine Voles

• Prairie VES and Montaine VES are two species of voles.
• Prairie VES form monogamous bonds with their partners and participate in paternal care.
• Montaine VES do not form monogamous bonds and do not participate in paternal care.
• Prairie VES can be primed to form bonds and be good dads with a single injection of vasopressin.
• Montaine VES cannot be primed to form bonds or be good dads with vasopressin.

Section 2: Partner Preference Tests

• Partner preference tests can be used to determine which Prairie VES formed a bond with which male.
• Partner preference tests can also be used to determine which Montaine VES chose to spend time with which male.
• Prairie VES and Montaine VES can form bonds with males or females.
• Prairie VES and Montaine VES can also choose to spend time with new individuals.

Section 3: Scientific Experience

• The speaker had an interesting scientific experience in grad school.
• The speaker was initially excited about the work being done in their lab.
• The speaker was eventually demoted to writing grants and giving talks.
• The speaker was able to study oxytocin and vasopressin in a v species.

Section 4: Meadowes and Radio Telemetry Studies

• Meadowes are a species of vole studied by the speaker.
• Radio telemetry studies are used to monitor the behavior of animals remotely.
• Meadowes have a limited lifespan in the wild, on the order of months.
• The speaker conducted field research on meadowes and noticed that on winter day lengths the males were hanging out with the females and participating in paternal care.

The Incidence of Autism

• Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior.
• The incidence of autism is increasing, with one in 36 children being diagnosed in the United States.
• Autism is more common in males than females, with a ratio of 4:1.
• Autism is a lifelong condition, and there is no cure for it.

Causes of Autism

• The exact cause of autism is unknown, and there is no single gene that causes it.
• There are several theories about the causes of autism, including genetic, environmental, and neurodevelopmental factors.
• Some research suggests that differences in brain structure and function may play a role in autism.
• Other research suggests that environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins and infections, may contribute to the development of autism.

Watch the video on YouTube:
Dr. Karen Parker: The Causes & Treatments for Autism - YouTube