Biomarkers in Autism of Aripiprazole and Risperidone Treatment (BAART)

The starting dosage will be 2.0 mg/day. The dosage will be allowed to increase to 5.0 mg/day on day 4 and can be increased thereafter as judged clinically appropriate until the maximum dosage of 15 mg/day. The dosage will only be increased in 5.0 mg intervals. No dosage adjustments will be allowed for either drug after 4 weeks.

Children weighing 20-45 kg will receive an initial dose of 0.5 mg daily that will be increased to twice daily on day 4 (morning and bedtime). The dosage will be gradually increased in 0.5 mg increments to a maximum dose of 2.5 mg per day (1.0 mg in the morning and 1.5 mg at bedtime) by the fourth treatment week. A slightly accelerated dosage will be allowed for children who weigh more than 45 kg for a maximum dosage of 3.5 mg /day (McCracken et al 2002).