Adaptive Skills Dysfunction in ADD and ADHD Children

Adaptive functioning was examined in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and a psychiatric comparison group of children with pervasive developmental disorders or mild mental retardation (PDD/MR). As assessed with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, adaptive functioning was well below average for all three clinic groups. (The PDD/MR group had the lowest adaptive Functioning scores, although not statistically different from the other groups.) However, the level of adaptive functioning relative to IQ in the areas of Socialization, Communication and Daily Living was significantly lower for the ADD and ADHD groups. These deficits in adaptive functioning that characterize children with ADHD and ADD may help explain the poor long‐term prognosis of ADHD, suggesting that increased attention should be paid to the assessment and treatment of adaptive functioning in individuals with ADHD and ADD.