Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

Author(s): Catherine Lord, PhD, Michael Rutter, MD FRS, Pamela C. DiLavore, PhD and Susan Risi, PhD

Publisher: WPS

Purpose: To evaluate a client suspected of having autism

Candidates: 2+ years of age

Administration: 35–40 minutes per module

The ADOS can be used to evaluate almost anyone suspected of having autism—from toddlers to adults, from children with no speech to adults who are verbally fluent.

This semi-structured assessment consists of various activities that allow you to observe social and communication behaviours related to the diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders. These activities provide interesting, standard contexts in which interaction can occur.

The ADOS consists of four modules, each requiring 35 to 40 minutes to administer. The individual being evaluated is given just one module, depending on his or her expressive language level and chronological age. Following guidance provided in the manual, you select the appropriate module for your client.

Module 1 is used with children who do not consistently use phrase speech, Module 2 with those who use phrase speech but are not verbally fluent, Module 3 with fluent children, and Module 4 with fluent adolescents and adults. The one group within the autism spectrum that the ADOS does not address is nonverbal adolescents and adults.

After recording and coding your observations, cut-off scores are provided to determine a broader diagnosis of PDD / atypical autism / or autism spectrum, as well as the traditional, narrower conceptualisation of autism.

Offering standardised materials and ratings, the ADOS gives you a measure of autism spectrum disorder that is unaffected by language. Because it can be used with a wide range of children and adults, it is a cost-effective addition to any hospital, clinic, or school that serves individuals with developmental disorders.