Kathryne Ellerbeck, a researcher at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, will study the role of oxytocin in autism. Her premise is that:
a. Boys are more prone to autism than girls
b. Girls naturally have higher levels of oxytocin
c. Boys with autism have lower levels of oxytocin than normal
therefore ... perhaps lack of oxytocin, aka the cuddle hormone, may be a factor in the development of this syndrome.
My guess: Lower levels of oxytocin and symptoms considered autistic both have another cause. I'm also betting that scientists will begin to crack the mystery of autism within 3 years.
Dr. Ellerbeck's work is funded by Cure Autism Now.
