Liquid Stimulant Reduces ADHD Symptoms for Children with Autism

Photo credit: Credit Annie Cavanagh, Wellcome Images

A liquid stimulant has been shown to improve symptoms associated with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results of a small trial were presented at the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.

In the study, 16 participants (mean age 9.75 years) who were diagnosed with ASD and ADHD were given low- and medium-dose liquid formulations of methylphenidate (Quillivant) over the course of 6 weeks. Researchers found that, compared to baseline numbers, Clinical Global Impression severity scores decreased significantly (3.38 vs 4.44; P<0.001), in addition to a smaller but still significant improvement in scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale (75.56 vs. 80.00; P<0.01).

Researchers noted that the drug was well tolerated by the study patients, with no adverse events or unexpected side effects.

—Drew Amorosi

Reference

Stein M, et al. Efficacy of Quillivant XR on ADHD in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD: preliminary findings. Poster presented American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) annual meeting; January 16, 2016; Washington, DC.