The overall goal of this research is to use neurophysiological measures to profile strengths and deficits for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder co-morbidity in Autism Spectrum Disorder to clarify diagnosis and to predict treatment response.
The project "Eye Tracking as a Predictor of Methylphenidate (MPH) Response in Low Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with comorbid ADHD" will investigate the role of a non-invasive neurophysiological biomarker in an underserved population to clarify diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. Specifically, we will modify an existing eye tracking paradigm that discriminates between ADHD and typical youth, for use in an ASD cohort with (ASD+) and without an ADHD comorbidity. A case-control design (Aim 1) will lead into a randomized placebo controlled trial of MPH in children with ASD with comorbid ADHD (Aim 2). We hypothesize that children with ASD+ will demonstrate specific abnormalities in microsaccades, eye blink frequency, and pupil dilatation on continuous performance testing that will predict MPH treatment response on standardized clinical outcomes for ADHD. As a secondary measure, we will also perform a brief electrophysiological measure, short interval cortical inhibition (SICI), as measured by paired pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We have extensively investigated this measure as a robust predictor of ADHD diagnosis and symptom severity in ADHD and typical youth. We anticipate this personalized medicine-based approach to clarify ADHD co-occurrence in ASD will result in a novel neurophysiological biomarker will enhance diagnostic reliability and better match appropriate pharmacotherapy in a highly complex neurodevelopmental disease.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
40
single dose methylphenidate; 0.3mg/kg, up to 20mg, rounded to the nearest 2.5mg
Placebo pill identical in appearance to methylphenidate
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Change in Eye-Tracking: Microsaccades and pupil size using Tobii eye tracker
Eye tracking offers a window into a "hardwired" circuit into the brain in a patient population that may not easily tolerate more invasive diagnostic procedures.
Time frame: Pre-dose; Approximately 90 minutes post-dose of methylphenidate
Change in Short Interval IntraCortical Inhibition (SICI) using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
SICI is a TMS measure of the efficiency of inhibitory interneurons in the primary motor cortex.
Time frame: Pre-dose; Approximately 90 minutes post-dose of methylphenidate
Change in Resting State Electroencephalogram (EEG)
EEG will be used to assess the electrophysiologic aspects of behavioral computerized testing, behavior, or motor function.
Time frame: Pre-dose; Approximately 90 minutes post-dose of methylphenidate
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