This study examined executive functioning (EF) in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) boys ages 6-12 on a parent-report measure from Barkley's model. Mothers of 40 boys (20 with ADHD-HI or ADHD-C, and 20 without ADHD) completed the ADHD Symptom Checklist (ADHD-SC4), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL-P), School-Home Information Profile (SHIP), and Children's Inhibition and Executive Function Scale (ChIEFS). Significant differences were found between groups for all measures, with the ChIEFS total score being the most discriminating index of ADHD (97.5%). The ChIEFS factors were highly intercorrelated and related to total score, suggesting they were all measuring the same construct. Executive functions may tap one's ability to control oneself, whether that involves control of motor, memory, attention, motivation, or planning functions. Executive functions also seem to be important in assessing characteristics of ADHD, and could prove useful in conjunction with current diagnostic instruments. (Author)