ADOS

     The ADOS-2 is a semi-structured, standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, play, and restricted and repetitive behaviors.It presents various activities that elicit behaviors directly related to a diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). By observing and coding these behaviors, you can obtain information that informs diagnosis, treatment planning, and educational placement. 

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. Module 1 is used with children who do not consistently use phrase speech. Module 2 is used with those who use phrase speech but are not verbally fluent. Module 3 is used with fluent children and Module 4 is used with fluent adults. The one group that ADOS does not address is non-verbal adolescents and adults.

Modules 1 and 2 require the test user and the child to move around the room. Modules 3 and 4, both of which involve more conversation, can be administered at a table. Activities included in each module are listed below:

MODULE 1: for children who do not consistently use phrase speech.

  • Free Play
  • Response to name
  • Response to joint attention
  • Bubble play
  • Anticipation of a routine with objects
  • Responsive social smile
  • Functional and symbolic imitation
  • Birthday party
  • Snack

MODULE 2: for those who use phrase speech but who are not verbally fluent.

  • Construction task
  • Make-believe play
  • Joint interactive play
  • Conversation
  • Response to joint attention
  • Demonstration task
  • Description of picture
  • Looking at a book
  • Free play
  • Response to name
  • Birthday party
  • Snack
  • Anticipation of a routine with objects
  • Bubble play

MODULE 3: for verbally fluent children

  • Construction task
  • Make-believe play
  • Joint interactive play
  • Demonstration task
  • Description of a picture
  • Telling a story from a book
  • Cartoons
  • Reporting a non-routine event/conversation
  • Emotions
  • Social difficulties/annoyance
  • Break
  • Friends/loneliness/marriage
  • Creating a story

MODULE 4: for fluent adults

  • Construction task
  • Telling a story from a book
  • Description of a picture
  • Demonstration task
  • Cartoons
  • Creating a story
  • Conversation
  • Current work/school
  • Social difficulties/annoyance
  • Break
  • Emotions
  • Daily living
  • Friends/marriage
  • Loneliness
  • Plans and dreams

Each module presents numerous opportunities for the individual being assessed to exhibit behaviours of interest in the diagnosis of ASDs through standard ‘presses’ for communication and social interaction.

Notes are taken during the administration of the module. Overall ratings are completed immediately after administration, even if the session is taped. These ratings can then be used to formulate a diagnosis through the use of a diagnostic algorithm which is provided for each module.