Abstract
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are common in youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and are frequently treated with stimulant medications. Twenty-seven children were randomized to different dose titration schedules, and ADHD symptoms, tolerability, and aberrant behaviors were assessed weekly during a 6-week trial with long-acting liquid methylphenidate (MPH). MPH at low to moderate doses was effective in reducing ADHD symptoms and was well tolerated in young children with ASD and ADHD. Future studies are needed to assess generalization and maintenance of efficacy.
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All authors were involved in study conduct and contributed to the manuscript.
Funding
This study was an investigator initiated study funded by Pfizer Inc© (WI185890). Preliminary results of this study were presented at the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders’ annual meeting at Washington D.C. in January 2016 and the Pediatric Academic Societies’ annual meeting at Baltimore, Maryland in May 2016.
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Mark A. Stein, PhD, receives research support from Akili Interactive Labs, National Institute of Mental Health, Pfizer Inc, and Shire. Mark A. Stein, PhD, is also a consultant for Akili Interactive Labs, Alcobra Pharma, Arbor Pharmaceuticals, Ironshore Pharmaceuticals and Development, Lundbeck, Shire, and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. Drs. Kim, French, Strickland, and Ms. Miller and Shonka do not have any conflicts of interest.
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Kim, SJ., Shonka, S., French, W.P. et al. Dose-Response Effects of Long-Acting Liquid Methylphenidate in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Pilot Study. J Autism Dev Disord 47, 2307–2313 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3125-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3125-1