Please select the eligibility criteria that correspond to the clinical trial below.
Title: Oxytocin-based Pharmacotherapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Investigating the Neural and Behavioral Effects of a Promising Intervention Approach
Brief Summary: The current trial aims to explore the neural and behavioral effects of oxytocin in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Oxytocin is a nonapeptide produced by the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus and is known to play a pivotal role in a variety of complex social behaviors. Initial studies showed that intranasal administration of oxytocin can have a positive effect on social functioning in ASD.

However, future studies are necessary to explore whether and how oxytocin effects neural processes in the brain underlying these behavioral improvements. This trial will not only measure behavioral enhancements, but will specifically focus on elucidating the associated neurophysiological changes by guiding the administration of oxytocin with regular neurophysiological assessments.


Options:
A: Inclusion Criteria:

* Meet DSM-5 criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder confirmed by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule- Generic (ADOS-G)
* Children between the ages of 5-12 years of age
* Language delay (lack of fluent phrase speech) reflected by use of ADOS Module 1 or 2
* Must be on stable medication regimens for at least three months prior to enrollment, assuming the concomitant medication is safe for use with IGF-1

Exclusion Criteria:

* Closed epiphyses
* Active or suspected neoplasia
* Intracranial hypertension
* Hepatic insufficiency
* Renal insufficiency
* Cardiomegaly/valvulopathy
* History of allergy to IGF-1
* Patients with comorbid conditions deemed too medically compromised to tolerate the risk of experimental treatment with IGF-1
B: Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome or Autism
* Male
* Age between 18 and 40 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Associated neuro(psycho)logical disorder (i.e. epilepsy, concussion, stroke)
* Eye sight worse than + or - 7
* Genetic syndrome
* Color blindness
* Any contraindication to neuroimaging research as assessed with the MRI screening list:

MRI contraindications:

pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, ear implant / a cochlear implant, insulin or implanted pump, a neurostimulator or VP shunt, any metallic object in the eyes (metallic fragments)
C: Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 4 to 12 years.
* Diagnosis of autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or PDD NOS.
* If taking concomitant psychotropic medications, the medication must be at a constant dose for 60 days with no dose changes planned for the duration of the trial.
* Able to swallow capsules.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of any medical condition that significantly increases risk or hampers assessment (e.g., unstable hypertension or cardiac disease, unstable asthma, kidney disease, unstable seizure disorder, pregnancy or any other medical condition as determined by the investigator).
* Weight \< 15 kg.
* Subjects taking concomitant medications or supplements known for their glutamatergic effects (e.g., dextromethorphan, D-cycloserine, amantadine, memantine, lamotrigine, riluzole) or antioxidant properties (high dose vitamin supplements, DMG, TMG, many alternative treatments) within 30 days of the baseline visit with the exception of short term use of dextromethorphan as needed as a cough suppressant. The use of this medicine must be stopped at least 7 days prior to the baseline visit. Regular multivitamins will be allowed.
* Subjects taking daily acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs within 30 days of the baseline visit.
* Profound mental retardation as evidenced by a mental age below 18 months.
* Subjects taking concomitant medications with the potential for pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions (e.g., carbamazepine) within 30 days of the baseline visit.
* Subjects who are likely to experience significant changes in their ongoing psychosocial or medical treatments for autism over the course of the trial (e.g., initiation of new behavioral therapy, initiation of new medication or alternative treatment \[e.g., chelation\]). Minor changes in ongoing treatment (e.g., missed therapy sessions due to holiday/vacation; planned break in therapy due to school holidays) will not be considered significant.
* History of prior treatment with NAC.
* Evidence of hypersensitivity/allergy to NAC.
* Presence of certain neurodevelopmental disorders such as Fragile X Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, or other neurological disorders known to be associated with autism or autistic features.
* Diagnosis of Rett's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, another psychotic disorder, or substance abuse disorder.
D: Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of PDD (PDD-NOS, Asperger's Disorder, Autistic Disorder)
* Hyperactivity
* Between ages 5 years 0 months and 13 years 11 months.
* Weight \>/= 15 kg (33 lb)
* A mental age of at least 18 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior failed treatment with an adequate trial of guanfacine in the last 2 years
* Concurrent treatment with another psychoactive medication

Answer: B