Classic Psychedelics and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Preclinical Evidence, Mechanisms, and Research Challenges

This review examines preclinical research on classic psychedelics' effects on behavioral and neurobiological processes relevant to autism, including social interaction, communication, repetitive behaviors, and anxiety. The authors evaluate potential mechanisms involving serotonin, glutamate, neuroinflammation, BDNF, oxytocin, and dopamine, while critically identifying significant methodological gaps and limitations in current research.