It has been suggested by Australian researchers that a hormone may help treat social problems in those with autism.

It was also noted by the study that children with developmental difficulties diagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorders often have a hard time recognizing emotion in others.

Published in Biological Psychiatry, the study found adolescents with autism, given a single dose each of the hormone or placebo via a nasal spray one week apart and asked to complete a facial expression task that measured emotion recognition, performed significantly better on the task when receiving the hormone.

The study further said that the hormone oxytocin affects brain function and has been best known for facilitating labor, delivery and breastfeeding, but it also has been shown to be important in promoting trust, love and social recognition.

Study author Dr. Adam Guastella of the University of Sydney said in a statement, "It is also the first to show the benefits of oxytocin nasal spray in young people, suggesting potential for earlier intervention where there may be greater opportunity to improve development."

It was further noted by Guastella that this was a relatively small study and warned it is too early to use oxytocin outside of supervised clinical trial research. (With Inputs from Agencies)