Measures
Psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Behavior Assessment
System for Children- 2nd or 3rdeditions (BASC)- Parent form.46,47 The BASC is a
standardized written measure with age-based norms that assesses adaptive
and problem behaviors. There are three forms: preschool (ages 2 through
5), child (ages 6 through 11), and adolescent (ages 12 through 21). The
BASC produces several specific clinical scales, a Behavioral Symptoms
Index that assesses the degree of overall problem behaviors, and an
Adaptive Skills score that assesses skills such as activities of daily
living and social skills. Not all clinical scales are produced for the
three forms of the test. All scores are T-scores (Mean = 50; standard
deviation [S.D.] = 10), where higher scores indicate greater
problems. All results are presented in the same direction; the results
of the Adaptive Skills scales, where a lower score typically indicates
greater problems, were transformed for the present analyses to be
consistent across measures.
Executive functioning was assessed using the BRIEF-
1st or 2nd editions, a standardized
written parent report measure with age-based
norms.31,32 The BRIEF assesses executive functions or
self-regulation in everyday life. There are three forms: preschool (ages
2 through 5), child and adolescent (ages 5 through 18), and adult (ages
18+). The BRIEF produces several specific clinical scales as well as two
Index scores: Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition that together
yield the Global Executive Composite. The BRIEF produces T-scores (Mean
= 50; S.D. = 10), where higher T-scores reflect greater problems. Not
all clinical scales are produced for the three forms of the test.