What is an ADOS-2 assessment?
ADOS-2 is an assessment tool and is not an assessment in its own right; it forms part of an autism assessment. This Blog explains more about the ADOS-2 tool and how professionals use it as part of a diagnostic autism assessment. ADOS-2 stands for Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition. Professionals use the ADOS-2 to assess and diagnose autism spectrum disorders across age, developmental level, and language skills. Experts consider it the “gold standard” for observational assessment of autism, and it is recommended by NICE.
What age is the ADOS-2 used for?
One of the unique features of the ADOS-2 is its ability to assess individuals across the lifespan. The tool is designed for professionals to use with individuals as young as 12 months and continues into adulthood. This makes it suitable for a wide range of individuals, from young children to older adults, who may show attributes of autism or other developmental concerns. For the ADOS-2 to be effective, the individual must have a minimum developmental level of 12 months. Additionally, the assessment presumes that the individual does not have significant sensory or motor impairments that may interfere with the assessment process.
What does the ADOS-2 measure?
The ADOS-2 centres on four key areas that are crucial for evaluating autism:
1. Communication
This area looks at verbal and non-verbal communication, including gestures, speech, and how the individual uses language to interact with others.
2. Social Interaction
Clinicians assess social engagement and reciprocity to understand how an individual interacts with others in various settings.
3. Play
Clinicians assess play patterns to observe how the individual engages with toys, games, and social play activities.
4. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours
This includes behaviours such as repetitive movements, insistence on sameness, and a strong focus on specific interests.
How does the ADOS-2 work?
Each module of the ADOS-2 involves a series of activities and structured observations that last between 40 to 60 minutes. The clinician will assess the individual’s responses to specific prompts, activities, and social situations, focusing on areas like social engagement, language use, play, and repetitive behaviours. At the end of the session, the clinician will “code” the behaviours observed, using these codes to evaluate the likelihood of an ASD diagnosis. This coding process also informs decisions related to treatment planning, educational placement, and other interventions.
Why do professionals consider the ADOS-2 the “gold standard”?
The ADOS-2’s widespread recognition as the “gold standard” comes from its ability to provide a comprehensive, reliable, and consistent measure of autism-related symptoms. By focusing on observable behaviours in real-time, the assessment allows clinicians to directly observe key signs of autism, such as difficulties with social communication or restricted, repetitive behaviours.
At The Gesher Assessment Centre, our experienced multidisciplinary team carries out all our autism assessments at our centres in North London and Hertfordshire. This includes a Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, and Speech and Language Therapist. Our Diagnostic assessments consist of a variety of standardised questionnaires and tests, such as ADOS-2, ADI-R, 3di5, SRS, Qb-check, Conners-4, and Young Diva 5, all of which adhere to NICE Guidelines.