Brain opioids and autism: an updated analysis of possible linkages.

Green et al. (1987) wrote a theory paper. They asked: could extra brain opioids explain why children with autism avoid eye contact and hugs?

They pulled early animal and human drug studies into one story. The idea was simple: block the opioids and social love might return.

The review found no new data. It only stitched old pieces together.

The authors guessed that naloxone or naltrexone might boost social interest. They called for small safety trials first.

Danforth et al. (1990) came next. That team kept the social-focus idea but dropped the drug talk. They said social relatedness is the core deficit, not a chemical soup.

Carré et al. (2015) moved the ball forward again. They measured social anhedonia with rating scales in adults. Low playfulness, not opioids, predicted bonding problems.

Rojahn et al. (1987) ran a tiny open trial the same year. Beta-blockers, not opioid blockers, calmed aggression and later helped speech. Same goal, different drug, real people.

Know the history. When you read older files that mention naloxone, you will spot the 1980s opioid-excess theory behind them. Do not rush to copy it. Modern work shows social motivation is multi-layered. Use today's evidence-based play and social-skills protocols first. Keep drug questions in the physician's lane.