An increase in public funding for research and a heightened interest among drug developers suggest that a
breakthrough in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) treatment may be imminent. However, drug development has
been slow, plagued by a limited understanding of the disease and the diffi culties in developing treatments for
pediatric populations in general and in ASD in particular. However, substantial opportunity exists for an agent
that can safely improve an autistic child’s ability to interact and adapt to his or her surroundings.
Questions Answered in This Report
ASD includes three distinct diagnoses: Asperger’s disorder, classic autism, and pervasive development
disorder—not otherwise specifi ed. What are the common symptoms in these disorders? How do they
differ from one another? What is known about the cause of the disease?
Public awareness of ASD has increased substantially over the last ten years, and Decision Resources has
conducted a comprehensive review of the epidemiology of this indication. How many children in the
United States are diagnosed with ASD? How will this population grow over the next ten years? How is
ASD diagnosed?
Janssen’s Risperdal is the only agent approved for the treatment of ASD. What are the goals of drug
treatment in ASD? How effective are current therapies? What is the potential of emerging agents?
One interviewed thought leader treating ASD characterizes current treatments as “throwing a dart at the
board.” What do thought leaders say about emerging approaches? Why does glutamate excitotoxicity
particularly intrigue them? What treatment challenges and needs do they identify?
Scope
Overview of ASD: Disease description and symptoms, etiology, diagnosis.
Epidemiology: Prevalent cases of ASD in the United States, forecasted prevalence to 2018,
evaluation of trends in ASD prevalence.
Primary research: Interviews with thought-leading specialists treating ASD as well as their
opinions on current and emerging agents and treatment dynamics.
Current treatments: Atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants, antiepileptics,
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
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