Abstract

The aim of the study was to attempt evaluation of the effects of secretin on psychomotor development of patients with childhood autism. The studied group comprised 18 children and adolescents aged 4 –18.Secretin was administered i.v.at 0.5 to 2.0 CU/kg doses, ini-tially at 2, and then at 6-week intervals. The effects of the therapy were assessed on the basis of a questionnaire containing 73 detailed questions concerning the current psychomotor condition of the patient. The patients ’parents answered identical questionnaires before and after the treatment. On the basis of the collected material it can be concluded that secretin did not cause behavioral improvement in most autistic patients. On the other hand, it was observed that the secretin preparation used did not cause any side effects.

Keywords: childhood autism, Secretin, treatment