Which ADHD drug works best for kids with autism? major trial aims to end guesswork
NCT ID NCT05916339
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two common stimulant classes (amphetamine and methylphenidate) and alpha-2 agonists to treat ADHD in 500 children aged 4-17 with autism. The goal is to find which medication works best and reduce the trial-and-error process. Parents and doctors will track symptoms using standard rating scales over the course of treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Amphetamine (e.g., Adderall) or Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) or Alpha-2 agonists (e.g., guanfacine)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help doctors choose the right ADHD medication for children with autism more quickly, reducing the need for multiple failed trials.
What could go wrong
This is a Phase 4 pragmatic trial, so results may vary in real-world settings. The study is large but still observational in design, and individual responses to medication can differ widely.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
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Locations
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Children's Hospital Los Angeles
RECRUITINGLos Angeles, California, 90027, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19178, United States
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Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
RECRUITINGCincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
RECRUITINGToronto, Canada
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Maine Medical Center
RECRUITINGPortland, Maine, 04102, United States
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Massachusetts General Hospital Lurie Center for Autism
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02421, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Nationwide Children's Hospital
RECRUITINGColumbus, Ohio, 43205, United States
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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University of Alberta, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
RECRUITINGEdmonton, Canada
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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University of California, Irvine
RECRUITINGIrvine, California, 92697, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15262, United States
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Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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University of Rochester
RECRUITINGRochester, New York, 14642, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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University of Virginia
RECRUITINGCharlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States
Contact
Contact Email: •••••@•••••