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 .
Methylphenidate for pervasive developmental disorders: safety and efficacy of acute single dose test and ongoing therapy: an open-pilot study.
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ongoing methylpheni date ( MPH ) on ADHD-related and autistic symptoms in Pervasive Developmental Disorders ( PDD ) in children who did not present any adverse effects to an initial acute dose administered at the clinic . METHODS Participants included 13 subjects ( 12 males , with a mean age of 7.9 years ) with PDD and moderate to severe hyperactivity/impulsivity . The severity of the symptoms assessment was based on Clinical Global Impression ( CGI ) , Childhood Autism , Child Psychiatric and Conners Parent and Teacher Rating Scales ( CPRS ) . Scores at baseline , and after 1 and 3 months of treatment , were compared to intent-to-treat analyses . RESULTS One ( 1 ) hour after a single MPH dose ( 0.4 mg/kg ) , 5 subjects exhibited increased hyperactivity , stereotypes , dysphoria , or motor tics and were rated as minimally or much worse on the CGI Global Improvement Scale . They received no further treatment with MPH . Four ( 4 ) of the remaining subjects were rated as improved , and four as unchanged ; they proceeded to a 12-week open trial of MPH . Two children remained unchanged : they discontinued treatment after 1 week on maximally tolerated doses . However , in group analyses , behavioral measures of hyperactivity and impulsivity improved significantly , while autism core symptom measures were unaffected . No significant adverse effects were observed in any of the 8 subjects . CONCLUSIONS Administering a single MPH test dose may be useful in identifying children with PDD who may benefit from prolonged therapy
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 .