How specific is a deficit of executive functioning for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

A selective review of research in the executive functioning (EF) is given for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), higher functioning autism (HFA) and Tourette syndrome. The review is restricted due to changes in the classification of the disorder in recent years and secondly the heterogeneity of EF is restricted to five key areas of concern, inhibition, set shifting, working memory, planning, and fluency. The review makes clear that there are strong differences between child psychopathological groups and controls on these EFs. However, future research will be needed to identify an EF deficit or profile, which is specific for these disorders. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.