Methylphenidate in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism (MICAA) trial

Abstract

The Methylphenidate in Children with ADHD+Autism (MICAA) Trial will use N-of-1 trial methodology to individually test the effectiveness of MPH-IR in ~40 children (aged 6-15 years) with ADHD+autism. Participants will include children who have been taking a stable dose of MPH-IR for at least one month prior to trial enrollment. The children will cycle through 12 randomised weekly periods of “on” (MPH-IR) or “off” (placebo) medication, with allocation concealment. There will be weekly monitoring of primary outcomes (ADHD symptoms), and secondary outcomes, including autistic traits, functional behaviour, emotion regulation, anxiety and medication side effects. Study findings will identify those children who are not responding to their prescribed medication, prompting a review of treatment decisions.