Executive Functioning Rating Scale as a Screening Tool for ADHD: Independent Validation of the BDEFS-CA.

Objective: This study provides independent examination of the validity of the Barkley Deficits of Executive Functioning Scale-Children and Adolescents (BDEFS-CA) in a sample of children diagnosed with ADHD (n = 50) and typically developing controls (n = 50). Method: Parents of participants completed the BDEFS-CA and the Conners 3 rating scales. Validity of BDEFS-CA was examined using a confirmatory factor analysis, correlational analyses with Conners 3 ratings, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of diagnostic accuracy. Results: Findings support the construct, concurrent, and discriminant validity of the BDEFS-CA in a mixed sample. Conclusion: Findings provide independent examination of the validity of the BDEFS-CA as a measure of executive dysfunction and a screening tool for ADHD.