Adaptive functioning in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the utility of the Vineland Social Adaptive Scale (Vineland) in measuring social adaptive functioning in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
Cross-sectional group comparison.


METHODS
Multidisciplinary hyperactivity and learning problem clinic at a tertiary referral center in Chicago, Ill.


METHODS
One hundred four school-age children with ADHD.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
The Vineland was administered to the study population. Despite average full-scale IQ scores (mean [+/- SD], 101 +/- 6), the children with ADHD had Vineland standard scores in the borderline to low-average range (73 +/- 14). The discrepancy between the Vineland standard scores and the full-scale IQ scores increased with increasing age and IQ.


CONCLUSIONS
Children with ADHD referred to a tertiary attention problem clinic displayed significant social adaptive dysfunctioning on the Vineland. The evaluation of children with ADHD should include assessment of adaptive skills, and treatment planning for children with ADHD should include the identification of social and adaptive deficiencies when therapeutic goals are established.
Roizen
N J
NJ
Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Wyler Children's Hospital, Ill.
Blondis
T A
TA
Irwin
M
M
Stein
M
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012919:Social Behavior