Oxytocin, the "love hormone" produced in new mothers that fosters bonding, may aid the development of social attachments in people with autism.
Researchers at the Centre of Cognitive Neuroscience in Lyon found that a nasal spray containing oxytocin helped 13 adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger's to make eye contact and interact better with others in games.
Unfortunately, though the findings are promising, oxytocin breaks down quickly. More study would be needed to harvest the same effects from similar compounds that last longer in the body.
You can read a summary of the research in the Washington Post.
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