Psychedelics and Pro-Social Behaviors: A Perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorders
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science February 10, 2025 Xue Wang, Cong Lin, Xiaohui Wang 5 citations
Psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA may enhance pro-social behaviors in people with autism spectrum disorders by altering brain circuits involved in social cognition. The viewpoint discusses potential mechanisms underlying these effects, such as increased neuroplasticity and changes in serotonin receptor activity. While direct evidence in ASD populations is limited, the authors suggest that these compounds could offer new therapeutic avenues for improving social interaction and communication deficits. The paper calls for further research to explore the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy for autism, emphasizing the need for controlled clinical trials.