Valproic acid exposure impairs ultrasonic communication in infant, adolescent and adult rats

•VPA exposure decreased USV emissions in isolated male and female infant rats.•Their calls were shorter and of an elevated peak frequency.•The social play deficit in VPA adolescent rats was restricted only to males.•Both males and females demonstrated quantitative and qualitative differences in USVs.•Decreased USVs also accompanied deficient social interactions in adult VPA males.