Use of Methylphenidate to Improve Cognition in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

IntroductionMethylphenidate (MPH) is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and has shown unique benefits in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition to improving attention, hyperactivity, and repetitive movement, it also improves cognition in ASD. Our focus is to explore the understudied benefits and safety of methylphenidate use for cognition in ASD children.Objectives1) To study the response and benefit of methylphenidate in autistic kids to improve cognition and life function.2) To assess the safety profile and risks of using methylphenidate at different doses in children with autism as a guiding tool for prescribing physicians.MethodsA literature search was conducted using relevant medical subject headings (MeSH) terms in PubMed, Medline, and PubMed Central. We identified all published articles from inception until September 30, 2022. Initial search results found 41 studies, of which 15 were excluded as they did not meet inclusion and exclusion criteria. After a thorough full-text review, we included 5 studies in our final qualitative synthesis review.ResultsMethylphenidate was found to have the unique benefit of increasing cognitive processing speed, thus improving everyday life function in ASD and ADHD children compared with only ADHD, with a clinical significance of p