Research summaries for autism therapy: hyperactivity | Healing Thresholds | Page 2

Research summaries for autism therapy: hyperactivity

definition of hyperactivity: A physical state of abnormal activity. Some research has shown that food additives may cause hyperactivity in children.

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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.

Open-Label Use of Placebos in the Treatment of ADHD: A Pilot Study, Summarized Sep 17, 2009

A placebo effect may allow doctors to lower the prescribed doses of drug therapy for behavioral disorders like ADHD and autism.... In the study, there were 26 children (7-15 years old) with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers wanted to find out if children could use lower drug therapy doses with this treatment.... Read more...

Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Amantadine Hydrochloride in the Treatment of Children with Autistic Disorder, Summarized Sep 16, 2009

Amantadine may improve behaviors in some children with autism.

This article reported results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of amantadine (drug that acts on the brain).... The researchers found that treatment with amantadine decreased hyperactivity and inappropriate speech. The parents in both the placebo group and the amantadine group found improvements in behaviors.... Read more...

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."

... Read more...

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