Executive Functions (EF) are described as behaviors associated with the frontal cortex of the brain that are responsible for higher order thinking (Kolb & Whishaw, 1996), and aid in goal directed... Show moreExecutive Functions (EF) are described as behaviors associated with the frontal cortex of the brain that are responsible for higher order thinking (Kolb & Whishaw, 1996), and aid in goal directed behavior (Gioia, Isquith, & Guy, 2001). Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two conditions that render the frontal systems vulnerable to dysfunction (Fletcher, et al., 1990; Singer & Walkup, 1991). Previous literature found EF deficits in children with ADHD (Barkley, 1997; Barkley, Edwards et al., 2007; Brocki, & Bohlin, 2006; Nigg et al., 2002; Solanto et al., 2001), and children with a TBI (Anderson et al., 2005; Catroppa, & Anderson, 2005; Catroppa et al., 2007; Mangeot et al., 2002; Nolin, 2006; Dennis et al., 1996; Ponsford et al., 1999; Yeates et al., 1999). The current study sought to examine the relationship between a performancebased measure and parent-report measure of EF domains, including working memory, inhibition/impulse control, attention, and processing speed. This study also explored group differences in EF domains between children with ADHD and mild TBI (mTBI), compared to controls in a sample of 180 participants 5-18 years old. Measures included a performance-based measure of EF (ImPACT) and parent-rated measure of executive functioning (BRIEF). Results indicated that parent-report and performance-based measures of executive functioning are related on some tasks (inhibition, emotional control, and monitoring were related to visual and working memory, and processing speed) and unrelated on others (organization, planning, and shifting unrelated to visual and working memory, processing speed, and impulse control). Females performed better than males on performance-based viii inhibition and working memory tasks and on parent-reported monitoring of behavior. After controlling for gender, effects for age, group, and age x group interaction were found on performance-based and parent-report of EF functioning. Specifically, effects for age (5-8, 9-12. 13-18) indicated differences between children of different ages on performance-based working memory and processing speed, and parent-reported working memory, inhibition, emotional control, and monitoring. Effects for group indicated differences between groups (ADHD, mTBI, controls) on performance-based working memory, and impulse control/inhibition, and parent-reported working memory, inhibition, initiation, planning/organization, organization of materials, and monitoring. The effect of the age x group interaction indicated differences on performance-based impulse control/inhibition and processing speed, and parent-reported working memory. In summary, the results of this study suggest there are developmental differences in executive functioning domains. Show less
