Which ADHD drug works best for kids with autism? major trial aims to end guesswork

NCT ID NCT05916339

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Daniel Coury Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, inattentive type attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder autism autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ADHD AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Children's Hospital Los Angeles
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90027, United States
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19178, United States
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
RECRUITING

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
RECRUITING

Toronto, Canada
Maine Medical Center
RECRUITING

Portland, Maine, 04102, United States
Massachusetts General Hospital Lurie Center for Autism
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02421, United States
Nationwide Children's Hospital
RECRUITING

Columbus, Ohio, 43205, United States
University of Alberta, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
RECRUITING

Edmonton, Canada
University of California, Irvine
RECRUITING

Irvine, California, 92697, United States
University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITING

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15262, United States
University of Rochester
RECRUITING

Rochester, New York, 14642, United States
University of Virginia
RECRUITING

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States

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