The ADOS-2
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), is a face-to-face assessment that helps professionals evaluate for possible autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During the ADOS-2, our highly trained teammates carefully observe how your child talks, plays, and interacts with others. Diagnostic professionals can use the results of the ADOS-2 to inform the autism diagnostic process.
What is the ADOS-2?
The ADOS-2 is a standardized, play-based assessment used to observe behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder. It is a trusted tool for helping evaluate for possible autism in children.
A gold standard
The ADOS-2 is considered a “gold standard” measure for helping evaluate a child for ASD. This tool is backed by research and helps clinicians reliably and accurately identify autism symptoms.
Play-based
Children have fun participating in the ADOS-2—it’s not like going to the doctor! During the 40 to 60-minute assessment, our clinicians engage in play and activities tailored to the child’s age and developmental abilities.
Scoring
Following the assessment, scores are calculated that indicate how closely the child’s behaviors in fundamental areas match autism characteristics. A summary is sent to the child’s pediatrician or referring provider to include in their diagnostic process and recommendations.
What does the ADOS-2 measure?
The ADOS-2 looks at different areas of a child’s development that are often linked to autism. During the evaluation, the clinician watches how a child acts during play, conversation, and other activities.
Some of the main areas the ADOS-2 measures include:
- Social communication: Things like making eye contact, using gestures, or sharing enjoyment with others
- Play and imagination: How the child uses toys and whether they pretend or act out stories
- Language use: How the child talks and responds during social situations
- Repetitive behaviors or strong interests: Such as repeating movements or being very focused on a certain topic
Behaviors that are best at predicting autism are assigned scores to help determine how closely a child’s behaviors match common signs of autism.
ADOS-2 modules explained
The ADOS-2 is a research-backed assessment that includes five modules, each designed for the individual’s age and language abilities. This module system ensures that the evaluation is tailored to your child’s age and communication abilities.
- Toddler Module: For children 12 to 30 months old
- Module 1: For children who do not yet speak in phrases
- Module 2: For children who speak in phrases but are not yet verbally fluent
- Module 3: For verbally fluent children
- Module 4: For verbally fluent adolescents and adults
At Action Behavior Centers, we use the Toddler Module and Modules 1–3 to assess children ages 18 months through 6 years old. Our team selects the appropriate module based on your child’s communication skills and developmental stage.
Understanding the ADOS-2 results
Once the ADOS-2 is complete, the clinician scores the assessment. For each module of the ADOS, behaviors that have been shown to be the best at predicting autism are totaled, and the numerical results help indicate how closely the child’s results compare to other children who have autism. Results of the ADOS-2 are one piece of information that can help support an evaluation for autism. Other sources of information, including parent-reported concerns and developmental history, are also important pieces to be considered when evaluating for a diagnosis of autism.
Who can take the ADOS-2?
Frequently asked questions
Why is it important to get an autism diagnosis for your child?
A formal autism diagnosis is required before your child can begin to access certain developmental therapies or services through their school, like ABA therapy.
Who conducts the ADOS-2?
The ADOS-2 is conducted by a trained clinician who meets the publisher’s criteria for administering and scoring the tool. Our teammates receive intensive initial training on the ADOS-2 as well as ongoing training to maintain their clinical skills.
What happens during the ADOS-2?
The clinician completes a set of play-based activities while observing for key behaviors associated with autism. These activities can be different depending on the child’s age and how much they talk. Once the activities are completed, the clinician scores the assessment and the results help identify how the child’s behaviors align with signs of autism. When the results are ready, typically within one week, they are sent to the referring pediatric medical provider to inform their evaluation, diagnosis decisions, and recommendations.
Does the ADOS-2 diagnose autism?
The ADOS-2 is a great tool for seeing if a child might have autism, but it does not officially diagnose it. Instead, it informs your child’s provider’s evaluation for autism to make the final diagnosis.
What happens after the ADOS-2?
The ADOS-2 results summary is sent to your child’s treating doctor for review. They will consider all sources of information to determine if your child meets the diagnostic criteria for autism. Your doctor may recommend further steps, such as more in-depth testing with a specialist. If a diagnosis of autism is made, your doctor will make treatment recommendations, such as ABA therapy.
Who can administer the ADOS-2?
Only professionals who have been trained in the tool and meet the publisher's qualifications are allowed to administer the ADOS-2. At Action Behavior Centers, our team members undergo intensive training and ongoing supervision to uphold the highest standards of clinical care.
How often can the ADOS-2 be administered?
The ADOS-2 can be administered more than once. However, repeated assessments are usually spaced out and only recommended when new questions arise about the child’s development or when earlier results were inconclusive.
Does insurance cover the ADOS-2?
We provide the ADOS-2 as a no-cost service to the community.
Schedule the ADOS-2
Contact your nearest Action Behavior location or complete the following form to schedule the ADOS-2. This form helps us match you with a center. Our team will be in touch soon!
