Methylphenidate and Autism Ranking:

Current Research

Description of Studies

We have identified 18 articles on the use of methylphenidate as a treatment for autistic people in peer-reviewed journals published in English. 

Four of the articles (Jahromi et al, 2009; Posey et al, 2007; Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology Autism Network, 2005; Scahill et al) reported on the same clinical trial.

These studies we identified included more than 600 autistic individuals aged from three years old to 18 years old, although the bulk of studies looked at primary school children and adolescents.  Individuals with specific diagnoses included people with autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified.  Most of the participants in these studies were also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The length of intervention varied between a single, one-off dose to multiple doses delivered over three years. However, in most cases, the intervention lasted between four to six weeks. The dosage of methylphenidate varied from 0.21 mg per kg body with per day to 1.5 mg per kg body weight per day. Younger children received smaller doses than adolescents and adults. In most cases, the medication was started at a low dose and gradually increased to a higher maximum dose. 

10 of the studies used a group design, usually comparing a specific dose of methylphenidate with a placebo and/or with a different dosage of methylphenidate. Nine of these group studies used a crossover design in which the participants received first one treatment and then another. One of the studies used a parallel group design in which different groups of participants received different dosages of methylphenidate. Eight of the studies used a single case design in which the participants only received methylphenidate or another stimulant but nothing else.

Outcomes of Studies

• The majority of the studies (such as Birmaher, Quintana, Greenhill, 1988; Di Martino, 2004; Handen, Johnson, Lubetsky, 2000) reported reduced hyperactivity in some of the participants.
• A minority of the studies (such as Hoshino et al 1977; Jahromi et al. 2009; Nickels et al, 2008) reported reduced impulsivity in some participants.
• A minority of the studies (such as Pearson et al, 2013; Santosh et al, 2006) reported increased attention in some participants.
• A minority of studies reported other effects. For example, Handen, Johnson, Lubetsky (2000) reported reduced stereotypy and inappropriate speech in some participants. Hoshino et al (1977) reported improved autistic behavior and speech disorder in some participants. 
• A minority of the studies (such as Aykol et al, 2017) reported a deterioration in the participants. 
• The majority of the studies reported adverse effects in the participants. For example, Ghuman et al, 2009 observed that “Half of the preschoolers experienced side effects with MPH, including reports of increased stereotypic behavior, upset stomach, sleep-related difficulties, and emotional lability.”

Updated

17 Jun 2022

Last Review

01 Dec 2018

Next Review

01 Sep 2024