Asperger's stress hormone 'link'

BBC News, April 2, 2009

Different levels of the stress hormone cortisol may cause children with Asperger's Syndrome to dislike change to their routine, according to a recent study. Officials say cortisol is believed to make the brain more alert and better able to cope with changes in the children's environment. Researchers have also noted that children with Asperger's, an autistic condition, do not experience the morning "surge" of cortisol that others do; however, the levels of the hormone still decreased during the day as normal.