The ADOS-2 is currently considered the “gold standard” in the assessment of ASD. The ADOS-2 is designed for individuals as young as 12-months of age all the way through adulthood.
ADOS-2 users should have prior education, training and experience in conducting individually administered test batteries and should have a background and experience in the assessment of ASD.
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), Module 4 is considered a “gold-standard” instrument for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults.
Module 2 is appropriate for individuals with phrase speech abilities. Module 3 is used for children and adolescents who are verbally fluent. Verbally fluent adolescents and adults are assessed with Module 4.
The ADOS/-2 (ADOS = first version of the instrument, ADOS-2 = second version, and ADOS/-2 is used here when both versions are referred to) is an internationally well-established diagnostic instrument that consists of four (ADOS-2 = 5, respectively) modules to be administered based on the individuals' level of ...
Lurie Center: ADOS-2
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a standardized assessment tool that helps providers diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children and adults.
Comparison score
Within each age-language cell, ADOS-2 total scores are matched to their corresponding comparison scores. The comparison score ranges from 1–10, where 1 indicates minimal-to-no evidence of autism-related symptoms and 10 indicates a high level of impairment.
In the manuals (Lord et al. 1999, 2012b), the reliability and validity of the original algorithm for module 4 was established based on 45 adolescents and adults [16 Autism (AD); 14 non-autism ASD, 15 non-spectrum], aged 10-40 years.
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), considered an essential part of the “gold standard” diagnosis,2,7–10 does have a module (Module 4) specifically designed for verbally fluent adolescents and adults.
Since that time, it has become one of the standard diagnostic tools both school systems and independent clinicians use when screening for developmental disabilities. ADOS is not required to make a diagnosis of autism.
Assessment. The ADOS-2, module four (for adolescents and adults with fluent language ability) [18] is principally a semi-structured interview, involving tasks which facilitate interaction between the interviewee and the administrator, which takes on average 60 min to complete.
It is not required that a particular test be given in order to determine a diagnosis of ASD. There is no test that can make the diagnosis without the skilled clinical judgment of the evaluator. However, the ADOS is often a very helpful tool during the direct observation part of the evaluation.
The Social Communication Questionnaire, Autism Spectrum Quotient, Adaptive Behavior Questionnaire, Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS) are commonly used. The latter two are the most comprehensive measures available.
The ADOS has four modules: 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.
“Our findings suggest that an ASD diagnosis becomes stable starting at 14 months, and overall is more stable than other diagnoses, such as language or developmental delay,” said Pierce.
Physicians, clinical psychologists, school psychologists, speech/language pathologists and occupational therapists can use ADOS-2 results to inform diagnosis, intervention, educational placement, and treatment planning.
Because so many behavioral health professionals specialize in autism for children, it can be difficult to find someone who's comfortable with (and skilled in) diagnosing and treating autism in adults.
For adults, this usually means an in-person visit where the doctor asks questions and evaluates how you respond. They will also consider self-reported symptoms. Many psychologists use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) , a diagnostic assessment when assessing adults.
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.
The ADOS-2 Module 3 Booklet provides structure to the administration, coding and scoring of Module 3. The Observation section is used by the examiner during the assessment to guide the presentation/observation of activities, and to take notes.
CARS2-ST: Children under age 6, or over age 6 but with an estimated IQ of 79 or lower, or a notable communication impairment. CARS-HF: Age 6 or older, with an estimated IQ of 80 or higher and fluent communication.
Level 1: The person may be able to live a relatively independent life with minimal support. Level 2: Substantial support is necessary to help the person communicate and deal with change.
For example, an ADOS-CSS of 10, indicating the highest level of severity, may be assigned to a child with very significant social-communication impairments who exhibits few repetitive behaviors during the ADOS.
The questionnaire gives a maximum score of 10, and 6 is generally used as the threshold a potential autism case.
This thorough review often takes into account the results of standardized tools – such as observations and interviews – that offer a uniform way to define behaviors. This approach for diagnosing ASD, also known as clinical judgment, is considered the “gold standard” in ASD classification.