Autism, a devasting neurodevelopment disorder of unknown cause, has increased alarmingly in recent decades. A core feature of autism is impairment of social bonding – the ability to connect emotionally with other people. This is a basic drive that supports our survival. Its development is hardwired in the brain from birth, and is controlled by oxytocin. Administration of pitocin in labor may interfere with the function of oxytocin – and the ability to connect to other people – later in life. Continue Reading