Pharmacotherapy for hyperactivity in children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders.

Dawson et al. (2000) read every drug paper they could find on hyperactivity in kids with autism. They looked at antipsychotics, stimulants, and naltrexone. The team then wrote a plain list of which pills had the best proof at that time.

Three drug groups came out on top: antipsychotics like haloperidol, stimulants like Ritalin, and the blocker naltrexone. All three cut hyperactivity in small autism samples. The authors warned that most studies were short and weak.

Parsons et al. (2013) later updated the same question with 24 newer RCTs. Their paper supersedes Dawson et al. (2000) by showing the field still lacks long-term safety data.

Heavey et al. (2000) ran a tight RCT on methylphenidate in the same year. Their results extend the review by proving the drug helps, but irritability and withdrawal are common.

Skrtic et al. (1982) and Fovel et al. (1989) gave the first placebo proof that haloperidol calms behavior. Dawson et al. (2000) later folded these early trials into the "strong evidence" claim for antipsychotics.

If parents ask about pills for hyperactivity, you now know three classes with the oldest track record. Start the conversation with realistic hopes: benefits are modest and side effects are real. Always pair meds with behavior plans and collect data before and after dose changes so you can show what actually changes at school and home.