Recent pharmacotherapy research in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has successfully focused
on treatment of co-occurring symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and irritability
that commonly occur in persons with ASD. Despite over two decades of significant
pharmacotherapy research, to date no medication has been shown in controlled trials to
enhance the core social deficits of ASD. Based upon findings describing the neurobiology of
ASD combined with our preliminary results, we believe the novel drug acamprosate will show
evidence of reducing social skills deficits associated with ASD.