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Neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter is a chemical found in the brain that sends signals from one neuron to another.

This signal either excites (encourages) or inhibits (reduces) the action of the second neuron.

Neurotransmiterrs include acetylcholine, dopamine, endorphin, gamma aminobutyric acid, glutamate, histamine, melatonin, norepinephrine, oxytocin, secretin, and serotonin.

Many psychoative drugs, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, are designed to target one or more neurotransmitters.

For example, atyipical antipscychotics such as risperidone target both dopamine and serotonin.

Some biomedical interventions such as inhaling oxytocin or injecting secretin make use of one or more neurotransmitters.

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This glossary is designed to explain some of the jargon and gobbledygook used by some people when they talk about autism or research..

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The fact that an intervention is listed in this glossary does not necessarily mean that we agree with its use. Nor does it necessarily mean that there is any scientifically valid or reliable evidence behind it.