Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome in Children

BADS-C Downward Extension
Now with normative data for 7 year olds

Deficits in executive functioning are well documented in children and adolescents with neuro-developmental disorders such as ADD/ADHD, Pervasive development Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. Many children with poor executive skills go on to experience weak social relationships, problems with communication skills and behavioural and learning difficulties.

Since the effects of the dysexecutive syndrome (DES) are likely to become more marked with age as children have to cope with greater complexity in their educational, social and emotional life, early identification of DES is crucial.

Child Friendly

BADS-C subtests are brief, varied, fun for the child, avoid feelings of failure, and assess everyday life situations involving executive functioning. They capture a richness of data by looking at both the level of competence being demonstrated as well as how the task was attempted.

BADS-C examines a number of aspects of the DES such as:

• Inflexibility and preservation
• Novel problem solving
• Impulsivity
• Planning
• Ability to use feedback and moderate one’s behaviour accordingly