Ketamine and the core symptoms of autism

Abstract Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behavioral syndrome characterized by (a) persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts and (b) restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. However, the etiology of autism in most cases remains unknown. Ketamine, an N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) blocker, has been purported by some as a possible treatment for autism. This conclusion is premature. Here, we present a single case study in which a patient with a severe intellectual disability was said to have demonstrated a dramatic, albeit short-lived, remission of the core symptoms of autism following adventitious treatment with ketamine. Although this anecdote is encouraging, we argue that further analysis of ketamine as a treatment for autism is needed.