Conditions: Autism Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Keywords: Autism Autism Spectrum Disorders ADHD
Allocation: NON_RANDOMIZED | Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP
Enrollment: 16
Healthy volunteers: no

Brief summary:
This is an open-label study of the efficacy of Daytrana (methylphenidate transdermal system) for the treatment of attention and behavioral symptoms in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Twenty patients will be enrolled and treated with 10-30 mg of Daytrana for a total of eight weeks. Changes in core hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention symptoms, autism spectrum symptoms and functional outcomes will be assessed. Acceptability of the transdermal route of administration in this population will also be assessed.

The researchers hypothesize that Daytrana is a safe and effective medication for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders who have symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Detailed description:
The design will be an open-label trial of eight weeks duration with 20 children with Autism co-morbid for ADHD. The subjects will receive 7 days of 10 mg of Daytrana. The children will be seen weekly for assessment for 4 weeks then every two weeks until the eight week period is complete. After each week of treatment, response will be reassessed and the dose will be increased stepwise to 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg unless there are excessive side effects, in which case, the dose will be reduced to the previous dose or the patch wear time may be revised.

Arms:
arm 1: 10mg for one week, with weekly stepwise increases to 15mg, 20mg, and 30mg for additional 7 weeks, if symptom reports remained elevated. Titration decreased one stepwise dosage

Interventions: intervention 1: Methylphenidate Transdermal System
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: 10mg for one week, with weekly stepwise increases to 15mg, 20mg, and 30mg for additional 7 weeks, if symptom reports remained elevated. Titration decreased one stepwise dosage

Protocol document: