Therapy

NEW:

Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial of Methylphenidate in Pervasive Developmental Disorders with Hyperactivity
Methylphenidate can be effective in treating hyperactivity associated with pervasive developmental disorders.

A Controlled Trial of a Training Course for Parents of Children with Suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder
A parent training course designed to facilitate social communication with their child is evaluated.

ARCHIVES:

Safety of Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines: A Two-Phased Study of
Computerized Health Maintenance Organization Databases

A study of HMOs found no consistent associations between thimerosal-containing vaccines and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants.

Risperidone in Children With Autism and Serious Behavioral Problems

Risperidone, a drug used to treat psychosis, was found effective in treating severe behavioral problems in some autistic children.

Use of Citalopram in Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Citalopram, a drug used to treat depression by changing serotonin uptake in the brain, was found effective in improving anxiety and mood in adolescents with Asperger syndrome, autism, or PDD-NOS.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Porcine
Versus Synthetic Secretin for Reducing Symptoms of Autism

Secretin, a hormone normally secreted in the body, was found no better than a placebo in reducing symptoms of autism, whether it was naturally or synthetically derived.

Oxytocin Infusion Reduces Repetitive Behaviors in Adults with Autistic and Asperger's Disorders

Oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone, was shown to be more effective than placebo in treating repetitive behaviors in individuals with autism.

Effectiveness of Melatonin in the Treatment of Sleep Disturbances in Children with Asperger Disorder

Melatonin, a hormone naturally secreted in the body, was shown to be effective in treating sleep problems in children with Asperger disorder.