Results of evaluating effects of fenfluramine on 21 maladaptive behaviors in 20 autistic individuals (from 9 to 30 years old) over a 9-month period using a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled design indicated no significant reductions in maladaptive behaviors and the presence of negative side effects. (Author/DB)

The study assessed the impact of various individual symptoms of autism on mothers and fathers of 20 autistic children (ages 6-18), and 20 professionals' accuracy in estimating parents' perceived stress levels. Among results were that professionals judged families as more stressed by the child symptoms than did families themselves. (Author/DB)

A study investigated the effects of aerobic exercise on the self-stimulatory behaviors and academic performance of five adolescent males with autism. Results found there was a significant decrease in self-stimulatory behavior following the physical exercise. Academic performance increased after the aerobic exercise as compared to classroom…

This study explored the use of methylphenidate with two boys (ages 7 and 8 years) with Williams syndrome, a genetic disorder frequently accompanied by symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Both boys performed optimally on 10 mg of methylphenidate administered twice daily, although one displayed increased…

This study compared the social problem solving skills of 15 adolescents with Asperger's syndrome with 15 typically developing adolescents. Subjects were presented with videotaped scenarios. The Asperger's group showed deficiencies in recounting pertinent facts, generating possible high-quality problem solutions, and selecting optimal and preferred…

The first case study of identical male twins concordant for DSM-IV Asperger's disorder (ASD) was presented. Their monozygocity was confirmed by short tandem repeat analyses with a probability of 99.999963%. Despite sharing the same DNA and environment, the twins are different in comorbidity (i.e., major depressive disorder in the elder and absence…

Private speech used by high-functioning children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) (n=33) during two executive functioning tasks was compared to that of typically developing children (n=28), and children with ADHD (n=21). Children with ASD were as likely as others to talk to themselves and their speech was similarly relevant and likely to…

The study examines the relationship between Asperger's Disorder (AD) and Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD), mutually exclusive but similar diagnoses ["DSM-IV-TR;" American Psychiatric Association (2000). "Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders." Washington, DC: Author]. The literature and comparison of…

Analysis of parent and teacher Developmental Behavior Checklist (DBC) ratings on a combined sample of 1,536 Dutch and Australian children (ages 3-22) with mild to profound intellectual disabilities produced five subscales: Disruptive/Antisocial, Self-Absorbed, Communication Disturbance, Anxiety, and Social Relating. Internal consistency of the…

Two multiple baseline designs, one across three normal and the other across three deviant children, showed that self-monitoring of academic task completions facilitated on task responding for all Ss in the generalization (classroom) setting. (Author)

Fourteen autistic children (ages 5-13) were administered Org 2766 (a synthetic analog of the adrenocorticotrophic hormone 4-9) or a placebo for 4 weeks. The hormone appeared to decrease stereotypic behavior and increase such behaviors as "change toys,""locomote," and "talk," though Aberrant Behavior Checklist ratings…

This prospective study of 17 high-functioning residentially treated adolescents with autism found that cognitive shifting, as measured by card sorting tests, was the only significant factor in predicting progress in social understanding. (Author/JDD)

The sources of variability residing in the environment of individuals with autism and the implications for research studies are explored. Recommendations are provided for future research including research focusing on young children, on the methods needed to produce desirable outcomes, on relationships between behaviors, and on specific teaching…

This study evaluated computer assisted instruction in social skills using hypothetical animated social situations. Evaluation with eight preschool children with autism (and eight matched normal children) suggested the program's potential for teaching problem-solving skills to children with and without autism. Children with autism were…

Romanian adoptees have a background of severe neglect. International research has shown that this can give rise to symptoms of autistic behavior. Rutter "et al." (1999, "Journal of Child Psychology Psychiatry," 40 (4), 537-549.) refers to "quasi-autistic patterns", and Federici (1998, "Help for the hopeless…