No trials reported serious adverse events .
Subgroup analysis by dose did not identify any significant differences in effect on our primary outcomes between low- , medium- or high-dose ranges .
We found that short-term use of methylpheni date might improve symptoms of hyperactivity and possibly inattention in children with ASD who are tolerant of the medication , although the low quality of evidence means that we can not be certain of the true magnitude of any effect .
There was no evidence that methylpheni date has a negative impact on the core symptoms of ASD , or that it improves social interaction , stereotypical behaviours , or overall ASD .
BACKGROUND Children with autistic spectrum disorder ( ASD ) frequently present with inattention , impulsivity and hyperactivity , which are the cardinal symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) .
The effectiveness of methylpheni date , a commonly used ADHD treatment , is therefore of interest in these children .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of methylpheni date for symptoms of ADHD ( inattention , impulsivity and hyperactivity ) and ASD ( impairments in social interaction and communication , and repetitive , restricted or stereotypical behaviours ) in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years with ASD .
Fenfluramine and methylphenidate in children with mental retardation and borderline IQ: clinical effects.
A double-blind , placebo-controlled , crossover study of methylpheni date ( 0.4 mg/kgday ) and different doses of fenfluramine ( 1.0 , 1.5 , or 2.0 mg/g/day ) in children with mental retardation or borderline IQ and ADHD was conducted . Parents , teachers , examiners , and physicians rated the children . There were relatively few significant drug effects by condition . When the optimal fenfluramine dose for each child was compared with placebo and methylpheni date , significant improvements occurred for fenfluramine on several parent and teacher subscales ; teachers rated the children as somewhat improved with methylpheni date . The highest dose of fenfluramine produced more behavior compliance but apparently at the cost of cognitive efficiency . Most side effects ( drowsiness , dizziness , anorexia ) occurred with fenfluramine . Both drugs appear to be effective treatments for children with ADHD and mental retardation , although there is a possible neurotoxic action with fenfluramine . We recommend a gradual phase-in of fenfluramine dosage , up to 1.5 mg/kg/day , for most children
No trials reported serious adverse events .
Subgroup analysis by dose did not identify any significant differences in effect on our primary outcomes between low- , medium- or high-dose ranges .
We found that short-term use of methylpheni date might improve symptoms of hyperactivity and possibly inattention in children with ASD who are tolerant of the medication , although the low quality of evidence means that we can not be certain of the true magnitude of any effect .
There was no evidence that methylpheni date has a negative impact on the core symptoms of ASD , or that it improves social interaction , stereotypical behaviours , or overall ASD .
BACKGROUND Children with autistic spectrum disorder ( ASD ) frequently present with inattention , impulsivity and hyperactivity , which are the cardinal symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) .
The effectiveness of methylpheni date , a commonly used ADHD treatment , is therefore of interest in these children .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of methylpheni date for symptoms of ADHD ( inattention , impulsivity and hyperactivity ) and ASD ( impairments in social interaction and communication , and repetitive , restricted or stereotypical behaviours ) in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years with ASD .