Poor sleep quality and low behavioral functioning are commonly reported in children with autism spectrum disorder. This study examined the impact of exercise on sleep on melatonin level and behavioral functioning in the population. Children with autism spectrum disorder (n = 55; age = 10.97 ± 1.90) were randomly allocated to a morning jogging…

Seven hyperactive children in a pilot study, and 15 hyperactive and 15 nonhyperactive control children in a later study, were assessed for salivation to lemon juice stimulation, reactive inhibition on an audio-vigilance task, and visual-motor maze errors. (Author)

Investigated with 18 hyperactive boys (5 to 12 years old) and 18 controls were the effects of methylphenidate on a number of objective measures of activity level and attention on three repeated occasions in four types of settings: free play, movie viewing, testing, and restricted play periods. (Author/SBH)

The paper addresses the assessment and management of hyperkinesis in children. Recent research is reported to show that hyperkinetic children differ in psychological functioning, which might account for varying reactions to stimulant medication. An evaluation procedure which identifies the subgroups of hyperkinetic children using behavioral and…

The effectiveness of fenfluramine with hyperserotonergic autistic individuals (n=28 and ages 6-30) was evaluated. Evaluation of videotape recordings of individual behaviors suggested that fenfluramine failed to increase communicative behaviors or decrease stereotypic behaviors and inappropriate behaviors although a serotonergic effect was found in…

The sleep profiles of 13 children (ages 5-13) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who were treated with a fixed dose of methylphenidate for at least one month were compared with those of 16 healthy siblings. Significantly more children with ADHD demonstrated sleep disturbances and higher rates of sleep disorders. (Author/CR)

Examined effects of methylphenidate on social behaviors of hyperactive children between ages of 6 and 11 during unstructured activities outdoors. The children received a placebo, a low dose and a moderate dose of methylphenidate. Trained observers coded the children's actions as either appropriate social, negative social, or nonsocial behavior.…

Assessment of 84 children diagnosed with controlled or uncontrolled complex partial or absence seizures but no documented learning or emotional disorders found no influence of seizure type on achievement test scores or behavioral ratings. A main effect was found for degree of control, with poorly controlled seizures correlating with lower reading…

This study compared the clinical efficacy of a dopaminergic antagonist (amisulpride) and a dopaminergic agonist (bromocriptine) with 9 children (ages 4-13) with autism and probable severe mental retardation. The amisulpride acted preferentially on specific autism symptoms and the bromocriptine on motor hyperactivity and attention symptoms.…

Objective: This study was designed to examine context effects or provocation ecologies in the daily lives of children with ADHD. Method: Across 7 days, mothers and children (27 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] taking stimulant medication; 25 children without ADHD; ages 7-12 years) provided electronic diary reports…