What Is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule?

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is an assessment that can be done for individuals who have shown some common signs of being on the autism spectrum. It’s often an assessment for children, but adults can also benefit from it to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Autism doesn’t have a specific medical test for a diagnosis. So, health professionals rely on things like the ADOS to help them better understand conditions like autism and make more concrete diagnoses.

Let’s take a closer look at this assessment, what to expect from it, and how it can be beneficial if you’ve considered that your child might be on the autism spectrum.

Who Is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule For?

Again, almost anyone can benefit from the ADOS. Children as young as one year can undergo the assessment, as can adults of any age.

One of the reasons why the ADOS is so effective across a lifespan is that it includes several different modules. It’s designed to meet an individual based on their appropriate language ability. That can be especially helpful and reassuring for parents of young children. Once your child develops appropriate sensory and motor skills, issues like hearing impairment or blindness can be ruled out as causes for certain symptoms. This test can help determine whether they’re on the spectrum by implementing assessments that are appropriate for their age.

An early autism diagnosis will allow for early intervention. You can make sure your child receives the services they need for developmental skills, social skills, and more.

What to Expect

One of the benefits of the ADOS is that it is a fairly quick method of evaluation. Most assessments last about 30-60 minutes.

A clinician will examine the individual’s behavior during that time. If a child is undergoing the assessment, they’ll typically go through things like play-based activities. Their communication skills, how they interact with others, how they follow instructions, and more are taken into consideration. Clinicians will specifically look at things like eye contact, body movement, gestures, and language abilities.

Older children and adults will undergo similar observations. As an adult, you might not be asked to play with toys to get a proper assessment, but you might be asked to follow instructions and complete tasks. You’ll also likely have to answer simple questions, like how your day is going.

Is the ADOS a Definitive Diagnosis?

Many people consider the autism diagnostic observation schedule to be the gold standard when it comes to assessment for individuals on the spectrum. However, it’s not a standalone evaluation.

Instead, the ADOS is typically just a part of a more comprehensive evaluation process. However, it can steer you in the right direction, mainly because you’ll typically talk through a follow-up with the clinician. They’ll be able to provide insight into their observations and help you with the next steps when it comes to what they recommend.

Understanding an Autism Diagnosis

If your child undergoes ADOS and other evaluations to determine whether they are on the autism spectrum, it’s important to prepare yourself. Now is the time to educate yourself on what autism might mean for your family. Seek out resources that can help your child (and/or you) develop and grow in healthy, productive ways. Reaching out to other families with kids on the spectrum or support groups going through the same thing can also be beneficial.

Again, the ADOS isn’t a standalone, definitive way to diagnose someone with autism. But, if you want to learn more about what to expect and whether it’s right for you, your child, or another family member, please reach out for more information about our child therapy services.