I have encountered a few children with ADHD that are also diagnosed with PDD, Aspergers, or another form of Autism spectrum. These children seem to consistently have little success when placed on stimulants. Drugs like Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Concerta seem to consistently cause an increase in aggressive behaviors as well as little or no reduction in hyperactivity.
Is anyone aware of any research being done on the effectiveness of stimulants in children diagnosed with autism in addition to ADHD?
Ritalin and Concerta works by producing weak sympathomimetic activity in the central nervous system. Adderall causes a release of norepinephrine from nerve endings.
Autism affects the way information is processed in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize. One would think, based on this information, that their might be a negative side effect from the use of stimulants.