Research: Stimulant Medication Treatment of Target Behaviors in Children with Autism: A Population-Based Study

Authored by Nickels, KC, Katusic SK, Colligan RC, Weaver AL, Voigt RG, and Barbaresi WJ in J Dev Behav Pediatr, Volume 29, Issue , p. 75-81, (2008).

Article summary (posted Jun 26, 2008):

Methylphenidate is widely used and well-tolerated as a treatment for behaviors that may be associated with autism.

This study looked at the use of drug therapy to treat behaviors in children with autism who lived in Olmsted County, Minnesota. The study found that 66% of children with autism in Olmsted County were given drug therapy. Methylphenidate was the drug most often given to children with autism. Of the children given methylphenidate, 69.4% had a good response to methylphenidate. Of the children given any drug therapy, 66% had at least one side effect.

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You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
adverse effects, autism, Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride), drug, medication, Ritalin - Methylin (methylphenidate hydrochloride), stimulant, therapy, treatment
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