Salivary Oxytocin Levels in Children with and Without Autism: New Insights into Sex-Specific Neurobiological Profiles

Strategic Insights -

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have higher levels of salivary oxytocin than their typically developing peers, but these differences are not always statistically significant, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. The research, conducted by a team of psychologists from Istanbul Nisantasi University, aimed to compare baseline salivary oxytocin concentrations between children with ASD and controls.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that children with ASD showed higher mean salivary oxytocin levels than controls (21.5 pg/mL vs. 14.0 pg/mL), but the difference was not statistically significant (Welch's t = -1.79, p = 0.088).
  • Log transformation of oxytocin values confirmed the non-significant group difference (t = 1.68, p = 0.102).
  • Female participants with ASD had significantly higher oxytocin levels than female controls (p = 0.048), while no difference was observed among males.
  • Oxytocin levels did not significantly correlate with autism severity (r = -0.04, p = 0.88).
  • The study concluded that salivary oxytocin may not be a reliable standalone diagnostic biomarker but could have exploratory value for understanding sex-specific neurobiological profiles in autism.
  • The research was conducted by Metin Cinaroglu, Eda Yilmazer, Salih Kose, Selami Varol Ulker, and Sultan Tarlaci from Istanbul Nisantasi University.

Statistics:

  • 35 children aged 6-9 years were included in the study, with 18 diagnosed with ASD and 17 controls.
  • Mean salivary oxytocin levels were 21.5 pg/mL in children with ASD and 14.0 pg/mL in controls.
  • Log transformation of oxytocin values showed a non-significant group difference (t = 1.68, p = 0.102).
  • Female participants with ASD had significantly higher oxytocin levels than female controls (p = 0.048).

Sources:

  • Salivary Oxytocin Levels in Children With and Without Autism: Group Similarities and Subgroup Variability. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025;14(19):6760.
  • Findings from Psychology Department Has Provided New Information about Autism Spectrum Disorders (Salivary Oxytocin Levels in Children With and Without Autism: Group Similarities and Subgroup Variability). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 27, 2025; p 233.