30/06/2026
Oxytocin is often called the “bonding hormone,” but its role goes far beyond affection.
It helps regulate social connection, eye contact, trust, emotional recognition and communication.
Research has found that some autistic individuals may have differences in oxytocin signalling. This has led scientists to investigate whether improving oxytocin pathways could support certain aspects of social interaction. The results so far are mixed. Some studies show modest benefits, while others show little effect. It is not a treatment for autism.
What is often overlooked is that oxytocin is influenced by everyday lifestyle factors.
Natural ways to support healthy oxytocin levels include:
• Meaningful physical affection when appropriate
• Positive social interactions
• Laughter
• Exercise
• Time with pets
• Massage
• Quality sleep
• Lowering chronic stress
Autism is complex. There is no single hormone, nutrient or therapy that explains it. The goal should always be to understand each individual’s biology and support it with evidence based interventions.
At BioBalance.ae, we focus on identifying the underlying factors that may be affecting health, rather than simply managing symptoms.
What do you think? Should autism research spend more time exploring hormones and neurobiology alongside behaviour?