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• 9008 Preparing a Cover Letter

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Research Updates
Study explores the relationship between executive functioning and ADHD in adolescent boys. Katherine Donahue summarized the results of her study of executive functioning in adolescents with ADHD in a recent issue of The ADHD Report. The caregivers of 50 adolescent males between the ages of 13 and 17 years (half of whom had a diagnosis of ADHD, combined type) completed the 86-item Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning—Parent Form (BRIEF).

The BRIEF is a self-report inventory for parents and teachers of children and adolescents. It is made up of eight clinical scales that assess behavioral manifestations of various executive functions: Inhibition, Shifting, Emotional Control, Initiation, Working Memory, Planning/Organization, Organization of Materials, and Monitoring. There are also three broader clinical scales: Behavior Regulation Index, Meta-Cognition Index, and the Global Executive Composite.

Donahue reported that caregivers rated ADHD adolescents as exhibiting more problematic behaviors than their non-ADHD peers. The mean ratings by caregivers for Inhibition, the Behavior Regulation Index, and the Global Executive Composite exceeded approximately 90% of ratings given by respondents in the standardization sample for the BRIEF. The study found that the Behavioral Inhibition Index was significantly correlated with scores on indices of Emotional Control, Initiation, Working Memory, Planning, Organization of Materials, and Monitoring. Behavioral Inhibition may be a useful diagnostic indicator of ADHD, combined type and delays in Behavioral Inhibition may may account for many of the clinical symptoms found in those with ADHD. This study reinforces the theory expressed by Russell Barkley that problems with behavioral inhibition are at the core of ADHD.

Legislative Updates: Congress Gives Final Approval to IDEA
On November 23rd, News from CHADD, reported that after three years of negotiations, the U.S. Congress renewed the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), which is the primary law regulating the Department of Education's special education programs. IDEA must be reauthorized periodically and it seems that each reauthorization is fraught with controversy and conflict between those that would like to maintain and protect special education programs in our nation's schools and those who would like to see the programs dismantled.

CHADD acknowledged the leadership of Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Representatives John Boehner (R-OH) and George Miller (D-CA). As a result of their leadership the bill was finally approved. Although some rights for special education students were cut back, the very basic right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with special education needs was protected.

To read the bill in its entirety, visit http://thomas.loc.gov and then enter H.R. 1350 in the "Bill Number" field. On the following screen, select option number seven "H.R. 1350, As Agreed to or Passed by Both the House and Senate."

The Bill will become effective upon President Bush's signature expected in the next few weeks. Other provisions will become effective on July 1, 2005. News from CHADD provided some important highlights of IDEA 2004 as listed below:

1. Positive Behavioral Supports are Emphasized
   The Bill emphasizes the importance of Positive Behavioral Supports which focus on reinforcing a student's good behavior rather than focusing primarily on bad behavior. The Bill will emphasize the use of behavioral reinforcement as a component in student IEPs and provide funds for teacher training.
2. Discipline
   Schools will have discretion to order a change in placement on a "case-by-case" basis based on individual circumstances. The Bill also expands the provision allowing schools to remove a student for no more than 45 days for "weapons and drugs" to also include "inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person."
3. Enforcement of Special Education Law
   Parents of children with special education needs won a major victory because the Bill includes, for the first time, consequences for schools that fail to comply with IDEA. Schools found to be in non-compliance with the law for more than two years risk losing some federal funding.
4. Medication and Schools
   A new provision to the Bill prohibits school officials from forcing parents to medicate children as a condition for attending school. Also, teachers are not prohibited from sharing observations and information about their students with parents.
5. Determining Special Education Needs
   Schools will be required to evaluate many components of a student's life, rather than solely focusing on test scores, when considering whether the student is eligible for special education under IDEA. This requirement will help provide support for twice exceptional students and students with behavioral problems who test well but still need special education accommodations and services. The Bill also redefines "learning disability" in a way that allows schools to waive the severe discrepancy between achievement and intellectual eligibility, as is now required.

Need to fulfill your continuing education requirements?
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For additional articles and resources on ADHD visit these sites:

myADHD.com online library:
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A.D.D. WareHouse—See our special sales for DECEMBER 2004
www.addwarehouse.com

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Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
www.chadd.org

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
www.add.org 

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myADHD.com news is an e-publication of Health Link Systems, Inc. This publication is sponsored by myADHD.com, A.D.D. WareHouse, and the National Association for Continuing Education. Information presented here is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Placement of an advertisement in this e-newsletter does not represent an endorsement of any advertised products or services or the validity of any claims advertised. Copyright 2004 by Health Link Systems, Inc. For comments or information, please send an email to: info@myadhd.com, subject line: myADHD.com News.