Asperger's and cortisol

When most people wake up they usually experience a surge in the levels of a hormone called cortisol, which helps them to deal with the stress of the new day. However, this may not be the case for adolescent boys with Asperger's syndrome, according to a study by researchers at the University of Bath, in the U.K. The study compared the levels of cortisol in 20 adolescent boys with Asperger's and 18 controls when they woke up, and 30 minutes later. The boys with Asperger's did not have a surge in their cortisol levels, something which may explain why they have a need for routine and a resistance to change.

You can find out more about this research at

http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE53E5SC20090415?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews