In this study, Dr. Chugani and her team demonstrated that serotonin synthesis capacity in children younger than 6 was significantly altered when compared to non-autistic children.

Serotonin, an important factor involved in postnatal synaptogenesis -- or specialized junctions through which neurons signal to each other and other non-neuronal cells to form interconnected circuits within the central nervous system that are crucial to the biological processes that underlie perception and thought -- is thought to be one potential target to treatment of autism. Through the use of the 5hT1A serotonin agonist, buspirone, in children younger than 6, Dr. Chugani hopes to uncover a new and safe treatment in groups or subgroups of autistic children.