Physiological mechanisms of social odor perception and their implications for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Olfactory social communication shapes emotional bonding, social cognition, and survival behaviors across mammals. In humans, body-odor-based social chemosignals contribute uniquely to interpersonal recognition and affective communication. However, atypical processing of social odors may disrupt early attachment formation and oxytocin-mediated socio-emotional development. Here, we review behavioral and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying social odor perception with a specific focus on maternal-infant bonding and its modulation by oxytocin pathways. Integrating evidence from humans and animal models, we propose that early disruptions in social chemosignaling may contribute to atypical developmental trajectories relevant to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We also outline a mechanistic framework and future research directions aimed at leveraging social odor processing for translational advances in ASD.