Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume 20, Number 4, 467-478, DOI: 10.1007/BF02216053

Behavioral effects of Org 2766, a synthetic analog of the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (4–9), in 14 outpatient autistic children

Jan K. Buitelaar, Herman Engeland, Jan M. Ree and David Wied

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Abstract

Fourteen children (12 infantile autism full syndrome present, 2 atypical pervasive developmental disorder) between 5 and 13 years of age participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over trial. Each child received 20 mg Org 2766 (synthetic analog of ACTH 4– 9)/day during 4 weeks, or placebo in a randomly assigned sequence. Drug effects were monitored by ethological playroom observation and by Aberrant Behavior Checklist ratings by parents and teachers. Data of the playroom observation pointed to an activating influence of Org 2766, as revealed by a significant decrease of Stereotypic behavior and significant increases in ldquochange toys,rdquo ldquolocomote,rdquo and ldquotalkrdquo. Checklist ratings did not show significant changes. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Ineke den Hartog, Kathy de Kogel, Ivan Komproe, Tilly Koolstra, and Kees Koopman, and thank the patients and their parents for their cooperation.

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