B - 70 Profile Analysis of Executive Functioning in Adults with Developmental Disorders on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition—Adult Version (BRIEF2A)

Abstract Objective Children with developmental disorders including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism (ASD), and learning disabilities (LD) often exhibit different profiles of everyday executive function (EF) strengths and weakness. This has not been tested in adults. We examined profiles of self- and informant-reported EF in adults with these developmental disorders on the BRIEF2A. Method Ratings on the BRIEF2A scales (Inhibit, Self-Monitor, Shift, Emotional Control, Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Task-Monitor, Organization of Materials) were within-subjects dependent variables in a profile analysis with diagnostic group (ADHD, ASD, LD) as the between-subjects factor in two MANOVAs (self and informant). 79 adults diagnosed with ADHD, 35 with ASD, and 24 with LD along with 165 demographically-matched healthy adults completed Self-Report forms, and 57 with ADHD, 36 with ASD, 24 with LD, and 132 healthy adults completed Informant Report forms. Results All effects were significant (p.40) for both self- and informant reports. Profiles of scale elevations differed between diagnostic groups for self- (ŋ2 > 0.10) and informant (ŋ2 > 0.13) reports. Adults with ADHD had highest elevations on the Working Memory and Plan/Organize scales, with the LD group showing a similar profile but to a lesser degree. Adults with ASD were characterized by highest elevations on the Shift scale. Conclusions Individuals with common developmental disorders report distinguishable patterns of everyday EF. Those with ADHD report substantial difficulty sustaining working memory, planning, and organizing, while those with ASD report greatest difficulty adapting to change. Individuals with LD show similar profiles to ADHD but to a lesser degree.