Research summaries for autism therapy: Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride)

definition of Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride): Some children with autism also have ADHD and this drug may be helpful in treating the symptoms of ADHD. Concerta is a stimulant that is approved in the United States for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) disorder. It is understood that drug therapy is typically only one aspect of a treatment plan to help a child overcome symptoms of ADHD.
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Effective Methylphenidate Treatment of an Adult Aspergers Syndrome and a Comorbid ADHD: A Clinical Investigation with fMRI, Summarized Nov 9, 2010

Methylphenidate may help adults who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger syndrome.

This case study presents an adult patient with ADHD and Aspergers syndrome. The 26-year old man had had problems since childhood with making and keeping social contacts. The authors note that when an adult has both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome the case may be complex and hard to diagnose. This is because both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome may result in poor social skills and lack of attention. In the case of this patient, treatment with methylphenidate improved his ability to function and reduced his ADHD symptoms.

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Systematic Review of Pharmacological Treatments in Fragile X Syndrome, Summarized Apr 29, 2010

There is no good evidence to support the use of pharmacological treatments or supplements in people with Fragile X Syndrome in general or those with a diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome and autism.

This article reviews the research on drug therapy for the treatment of symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome.... One small study showed found methylphenidate to be helpful for children with Fragile X syndrome, but the study was short and poorly designed.

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The Pharmacologic Treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity in Autism, Summarized Oct 14, 2009

Some medications may improve attention spans and decrease hyperactivity in people with autism.

The author describes clinical trials of drug therapies in autism. Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are both used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These drugs may also help treat ADHD-like symptoms in people with autism. In autism, methylphenidate may work better for hyperactivity, and atomoxetine may work better for attention deficits. Other drug therapies may be helpful for ADHD-like symptoms in autism. Haloperidol, risperidone, clonidine, guanfacine, amntadine, and naltrexone have been researched. All of these drugs have shown improved behaviors in at least one study. However, other studies showed little or no effect of these drugs in autism.

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Autism, Summarized Sep 11, 2009

There are many therapy options for people with autism, and some of them are supported by scientific evidence indicating that they may be likely to help.

This review article summarizes published scientific studies of how well different autism therapies might work.... The therapies listed as "likely to be beneficial"include: ABA, Autism Pre-school Programme, Child's Talk, More than Words, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and methylphenidate for hyperactivity. Other therapies are listed as "unknown effectiveness" or "trade off between benefits and harms."

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Synonyms for Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride) include: Concerta, Concerta®, methylphenidate, methylphenidate hydrochloride
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