Intranasal carbetocin formulations and methods for the treatment of autism

Methods and compositions containing oxytocin or an oxytocin analog, such as carbetocin, are provided for the prevention and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, related disorders and symptoms of such disorders. The methods and compositions of this disclosure are effective in the treatment of social withdrawal, eye contact avoidance, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, attention deficit, hyperactivity, depression, loss of speech, verbal communication difficulties, aversion to touch, visual difficulties, comprehension difficulties, and sound and light sensitivity. Additional compositions and methods are provided which employ oxytocin or an oxytocin analog in combination with a secondary or adjunctive therapeutic agent to yield more effective treatment tools against autism spectrum disorders and related disorders.