METHYLPHENIDATE IN CHILDREN WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION AND ADHD - EFFECTS ON INDEPENDENT PLAY AND ACADEMIC FUNCTIONING

Twenty-two children with mental retardation and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of methylphenidate involving .3 and .6 mg/kg medication doses and a placebo. Clinic-based observations of independent play and a restricted academic task were conducted to assess drug response. An interval recording system was used to code behaviors such as length of play, physical movement, intensity of play, and toy pickups during a 10-min independent play observation; on-task behavior, fidgetiness, out-of-seat behavior, and touching toys were coded during a 10-min restricted academic task. Results indicated significant changes across a number of dependent measures with the use of methylphenidate. Both play and restricted academic tasks may serve as appropriate clinic-based means of assessing stimulant medication efficacy in children with mental retardation and ADHD.