Abstract: The present invention features novel peripherally-restricted non-benzodiazipene analogs with reduced blood brain barrier permeability and methods of use thereof for reducing tactile dysfunction, social impairment, and anxiety in a subject diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rett syndrome, Phelan McDermid syndrome, or Fragile X syndrome, or for treating touch over-reactivity, pain, or mechanical allodynia.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of reducing tactile dysfunction or anxiety in a subject diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rett Syndrome, or Fragile X syndrome by administering a GABAA agent having reduced blood brain barrier or by expressing a nucleic acid encoding an exogenous alpha or beta subunit of a GABAA receptor in dorsal root ganglion neurons in the subject using a vector.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of reducing tactile dysfunction or anxiety in a subject diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rett Syndrome, or Fragile X syndrome by administering a GABAA agent having reduced blood brain barrier or by expressing a nucleic acid encoding an exogenous alpha or beta subunit of a GABAA receptor in dorsal root ganglion neurons in the subject using a vector.

Abstract: The present invention features novel peripherally-restricted non-benzodiazipene analogs with reduced blood brain barrier permeability and methods of use thereof for reducing tactile dysfunction, social impairment, and anxiety in a subject diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rett syndrome, Phelan McDermid syndrome, or Fragile X syndrome, or for treating touch over-reactivity, pain, or mechanical allodynia.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a prepulse inhibition (PPI) assay comprising the steps of, administering a tactile prepulse to a human subject, administering a startle stimulus to the subject, and measuring the subject's response to the startle stimulus. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for evaluating tactile hypersensitivity and/or sensorimotor impairment in a human subject, comprising, administering to the subject a PPI assay according to any one of the preceding claims, comparing the assay results to neuro-typical controls, and determining the degree of tactile hypersensitivity and/or sensorimotor impairment in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peripherally-restricted benzodiazepines with reduced blood brain barrier permeability and methods of use thereof for reducing tactile dysfunction, social impairment, and anxiety in a subject diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rett syndrome, Phelan McDermid syndrome, or Fragile X syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention features novel peripherally-restricted non-benzodiazipene analogs with reduced blood brain barrier permeability and methods of use thereof for reducing tactile dysfunction, social impairment, and anxiety in a subject diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rett syndrome, Phelan McDermid syndrome, or Fragile X syndrome, or for treating touch over-reactivity, pain, or mechanical allodynia.

Abstract: The present invention features novel peripherally-restricted isoguvacine analogs with reduced blood brain barrier permeability and methods of use thereof for reducing tactile dysfunction, social impairment, and anxiety in a subject diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rett syndrome, Phelan McDermid syndrome, or Fragile X syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of reducing tactile dysfunction or anxiety in a subject diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rett Syndrome, or Fragile X syndrome by administering a GABAA agent having reduced blood brain barrier or by expressing a nucleic acid encoding an exogenous alpha or beta subunit of a GABAA receptor in dorsal root ganglion neurons in the subject using a vector.