Study of Autism and ADHD Seeks Volunteers
HOUSTON – (Feb. 15, 2006)–The University of Texas Medical School at Houston is offering a free, comprehensive evaluation for symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children who have an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).
Deborah Pearson, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is now recruiting up to 100 children from ages 7 to 12 with an ASD such as autism, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger’s Disorder. The children will be evaluated for symptoms of ADHD, a common developmental and behavioral disorder characterized by poor concentration, distractibility, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Depending on the evaluation results, some children will be enrolled in a free study examining the effectiveness of treatment with the FDA-approved medication methylphenidate (Ritalin LA), a central nervous system stimulant. Stimulant medication has been found to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as improve attention, in children with ADHD alone.
“We want to see if children with an autistic spectrum disorder and symptoms of ADHD can also be cognitively and behaviorally helped by the stimulant treatment,” Pearson said. “We’re also looking at their cognitive profile and comparing them to the cognitive profiles of children with autistic spectrum disorder who don’t have ADHD.”
Children with an ASD who do not have symptoms of ADHD also are being recruited for the study.
The first part of the study consists of a comprehensive psychological assessment and a clinical evaluation at the UT Mental Sciences Institute in the Texas Medical Center. Experts will generate a report and recommendations for the patient’s family.
The assessment results will determine whether the child should be enrolled in the five-week medication study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.
To be screened as a study participant, call (713) 500-2580.