Is vasopressin what's lacking in the brains of those with autism?
Researchers have found that male rhesus monkeys who tend to shun group play, mutual grooming and other social activities have a subtle thing in common with boys who have an autism spectrum disorder. In both cases, they have unusually low levels of a hormone called vasopressin.
Outside the brain, vasopressin helps regulate blood pressure and fluid retention. But in the brain, it has long been thought to play a role in social, sexual and nurturing behavior. And because it interacts with
