The present hypothesis that a malfunctioning pineal gland can be a factor in the cause of autism has been reported by this author [Axt, 1996, 1997]. Preliminary research into the lack in autistic children of a normal fluctuation of melatonin in response to changes in ambient light has been reported on the Internet [Kulman, 1997].

On the basis of the research that has been cited, together with the author's work with autistic children over a period of twenty years, it is proposed that the physiological and psychological symptoms that characterize autism are related to the malfunctioning of the pineal gland. Autistic individuals manifest all of the characteristics that are associated with a malfunctioning pineal gland. Table 1 summarizes the numerous concordant symptoms that are found in autistic individuals and that can be understood in terms of pineal malfunction.