Detecting executive deficits in children with ADHD or acquired brain injury using the Behavioural Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS)

Abstract

Relationships between executive functioning (EF), attention and behavioural inhibition in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or acquired brain injury (ABI) were explored using the Behavioural Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS), a test battery originally developed for use with adults. Children with ADHD-Combined (ADHD-C; n=20), ABI (n=10) and matched controls (n=20) were administered a battery of EF tasks designed for adults. Executive functions including goal-directed behaviour, planning and organisational abilities, temporal judgement and set shifting ability were assessed using BADS. Literacy skills, sustained attention and behavioural inhibition were also assessed to explore potential associations between these cognitive domains. Significant differences between ADHD, ABI and controls were observed on measures of attention, behavioural inhibition and EF. Children with ADHD performed more poorly on tests of attention and inhibition. However, children with ADHD performed...