CHILDREN WITH READING DISORDERS–II. EFFECTS OF METHYLPHENIDATE IN COMBINATION WITH READING REMEDIATION*

Abstract
Children (66) received individual reading instruction for 18 wk, in combination with methylphenidate (mean daily dose 44.2 mg/day) or a placebo. Assignment to medication was random and double blind. Children were reevaluated at the end of treatment and 2 and 8 mo. later. Only occasional and weak methylphenidate effects were obtained on measures of reading performance. Highly significant improvement in some tests of mathematics was found. No treatment differences occurred at follow-up. The results do not support the hypothesis that the enhancement of attention with stimulant treatment facilitates the acquisition of reading skills in children with pure reading disorders.