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Semin Speech Lang 2004; 25(3): 241-254
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-833672
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Perspectives on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Executive Functions, Working Memory, and Language Disabilities

Carol Westby1 , Silvana Watson2
  • 1University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • 2Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
10 September 2004 (online)

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The conceptualization of the nature of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has changed in the last decade. ADHD is now viewed as a neurologically based condition with primary deficits in executive functions and working memory (WM). Students with ADHD have deficits in discourse organization, inferring, and monitoring that are related to their executive function and WM deficits. A large number of students with ADHD also have comorbid reading and language disabilities that exist in addition to the deficits directly associated with the ADHD. Comprehensive evaluation of students with ADHD is essential to address their specific learning needs.

KEYWORDS

ADHD - working memory - executive function - language disabilities

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Carol WestbyPh.D. 

1808 Princeton NE

Albuquerque, NM 87106

Email: mocha@unm.edu

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