The relationship between executive function abilities, adaptive behaviour, and academic achievement in children with externalising behaviour problems.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Specific domains of adaptive behaviours and academic achievement may, in part, depend on executive function capacities. Executive function deficits have been found to be associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), not Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder (ODD/CD).

METHOD:
Using a sample of 110 adolescents, comprising four groups, ADHD only, co-morbid ADHD and ODD/CD, ODD/CD only, and a normal community control group, we assessed socialisation and communication skills with the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, along with reading ability, and executive functioning.

RESULTS:
Poorer adaptive communication skills were specifically associated with ADHD when compared with either ODD/CD or the control group, and the social competence of adolescents with ADHD was as low as the levels associated with ODD/CD. Presence of ADHD was associated with lower word recognition scores, while the reading levels of adolescents with ODD/CD were equivalent to those without behaviour problems. Executive function test scores correlated with all adaptive behaviour outcomes. Multiple regression analyses indicated that verbal ability predicted communication and reading scores, with executive function abilities contributing significant variance to the prediction in the adaptive behaviour, communication, and socialisation domains.

CONCLUSIONS:
Further research with other samples, both community and clinical groups, is needed to assess the generalisability of the findings. Small numbers of girls in the groups gave us insufficient power to adequately address potential gender differences.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Clark, Cheryl (C); Prior, Margot (M); Kinsella, Glynda (G);

Affiliation: LaTrobe University, Australia.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines (J Child Psychol Psychiatry), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Sep; vol 43 (issue 6) : pp 785-96

Dates: Created 2002/09/18; Completed 2003/02/12; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12236613, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Achievement
Adaptation, Psychological
Adolescent
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; epidemiology
Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders - diagnosis; epidemiology
Child
Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; epidemiology

Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; epidemiology
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Prospective Studies
Severity of Illness Index

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

See 100+ related articles.