USE OF METHYLPHENIDATE IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC DISORDER

The use of psychostimulants in autistic disorder has not received exte nsive evaluation. Furthermore, their use for the symptomatic control o f autistic disorder has been felt to be contraindicated. This study in vestigates the use of methylphenidate (MPH) for the treatment of selec ted symptoms of autistic disorder. Ten children, ages 7-11, with a DSM -III-R diagnosis of autistic disorder participated in a double-blind c rossover study using placebo and two MPH doses (10 mg or 20 mg bid). S ubjects showed modest but statistically significant improvement on MPH over placebo. No significant side effects including worsening stereot ypic movements occurred on either dose. Improvement in hyperactivity a nd lack of adverse effects suggest that MPH may be useful in the treat ment of hyperactive autistic children.