About the Assessment Tools

 

ADOS -2 - The ADOS-2 is a semi-structured assessment that can be used to evaluate toddlers-adults  suspected of having  an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Cut-off scores are provided for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders. The ADOS-2 is a newer diagnostic tool developed to use with the DSM-V such that previous diagnoses of pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome now fall under ASD  criteria. Using this method, ASD symptoms can be manifested either currently or by history, for either social communication or restricted and repetitive behaviors. That means that clinicians need to focus more deeply on an individual’s earlier history rather then presentation per se.

 

The ADOS -2 consists of 5 modules:

• Toddler Module – for children between 12 and 30 months of age who do not consistently use phrase speech.

• Module 1 – for children 31 months and older who do not consistently use phrase speech.

• Module 2 – for children of any age who use phrase speech but are not verbally fluent.

• Module 3 – for verbally fluent children and young adolescents.

• Module 4 – for verbally fluent older adolescents and adults.

 

Modules take approimately 35 to 60 minutes to administer. The individual being evaluated is given just one module depending on his or her expressive language level and chronological age.

 

The ADI-R is used to assess individuals suspected of having autism or other autism spectrum disorders. It is useful as an aid to formal diagnosis as well as treatment and educational planning. It can be used with children and adults with a developmental age above 2 years.

 

The ADI-R has proven effectiveness in differentiating autism from other developmental disorders, assessing syndrome boundaries, identifying new sub-groups and quantifying autistic symptomatology.

Composed of 93 items, the ADI-R focuses on three functional domains:

• Language and Communication

• Reciprocal Social Interactions

• Restricted, Repetitive and Stereotyped Behaviours and Interests

 

Interview questions cover eight content areas:

• The subject's background including family, education, previous diagnoses and medications

• Overview of the subject's behaviour

• Early development and development milestones

• Language acquisition and loss of language or other skills

• Current functioning in regard to language and communication

• Social development and play

• Interests and behaviours

• Clinically relevant behaviours such as aggression, self injury and possible epileptic features.