ADOS-II Autism Observation and Diagnosis Scale

ADOS-II – Autism Observation Scale is the “gold standard” for assessing and diagnosing autism and general developmental disorder in subjects of different age groups, developmental levels and speech skills.

This semi-structured technique can be used to diagnose virtually anyone suspected or affected by autism, from infancy to adulthood, from non-speaking children to fluent adults.

The ADOS-II methodology consists of various activities that allow the observation of social and communicative behavior associated with a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder. These activities provide interesting, normative settings in which interaction can take place.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

Diagnosis takes place in the presence of parents. With young children (regardless of the level of speech development), the psychologist initiates game interaction, examines the quality of communication, the level of involvement, the ability to perform everyday, ordinary actions. Any activity offered by the technique makes it possible to identify those behavioral features that are characteristic of the autism spectrum.

In this case, data is recorded according to the following parameters:

Speech and communication:

– Speech – number of words, sentences, intonation, echolalia;

– Attempts to get attention;

– Stereotypical words or sentences;

– Dialog;

– Finger pointing;

– Gestures.

Social Interaction:

– Look into the eyes;

– Reaction to the name;

– Facial expression;

– Collaboration.

The quality of the social initiative:

– Reciprocity;

– Games are functional, symbolic and imaginative;

– Whether the child’s play is varied, its quality;

– Is there a game “for fun”;

– Imagination quality.

Stereotypical behavior and limited areas of interest:

– Sensory experience;

– Self-stimulation;

– Repetitive actions;

– Aggression and self-aggression.

After the diagnosis, the scores are calculated and a general conclusion is given in accordance with the international standard. The total duration of the meeting is 60 minutes.