Autism Services

Autism Evaluation ADOS-2

About the ADOS-2

The ADOS-2 assessment is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition, and is considered the “gold standard” in ASD diagnosis. This assessment is designed to evaluate symptoms of ASD relating to communication, social interaction, play, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. The ADOS-2 can be used to assess ASD for individuals as young as 12 months through adulthood.

Appointments

The ADOS-2 requires 3 separate appointments.

Parent/Clinical Interview 

The first appointment will be a clinical interview with the adult individual or the parent/guardian(s) of the minor, without the minor present. The clinician will gather a comprehensive background, lasting 1-2 hours. It is helpful to bring in any copies of recent evaluations or documents that provide insight into medical, educational, developmental, and social abilities (i.e., individualized education plans, psychological evaluations, etc.).

Testing Appointment

In the second appointment the clinician will administer and record the ADOS-2 to assess performance. This assessment can take up to 2 hours. If the person being assessed is a minor, the parent/guardian must remain on the premises for the assessment.

Feedback Appointment

The third appointment will be to discuss the results and impressions of the assessment. The clinician will also provide recommendations for the next steps of treatment. We encourage writing down and bringing in any questions you may have to this appointment. A hard copy of the assessment with recommendations will be provided in this appointment. If the individual being assessed is a minor, they will not attend this appointment.

Additional Services

Parent Education and Support 

Parents are often in need of support after having their child receive an ASD diagnosis. It can be confusing to navigate the information available because each child has a unique set of abilities and challenges. I’m here to help you understand the diagnosis, develop strategies to help your family function, and help advocate for you child’s needs to be met. 

Individual Support

Individuals diagnosed with ASD may also need additional support and may benefit from attending psychotherapy to help with the treatment of anxiety, anger, or social skills. Psychotherapy can be used to help individuals build emotion regulation skills relieving feelings of distress.