Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)

Age range: 12 months through adulthood

Qualification level: C

Year: 2012

Administration time: 40 to 60 minutes

Administration type: Individual; Software or manual scoring

The ADOS-2 accurately assesses and diagnoses autism spectrum disorders across age, developmental level, and language skills.

The ADOS-2 is a semi-structured, standardised assessment of:

• Communication
• Social interaction
• Play
• Restricted and repetitive behaviours

The assessment presents various activities that elicit behaviours directly related to a diagnosis of ASD.  By observing and coding these behaviours, you can obtain information that informs diagnosis, treatment planning, and educational placement.

PCTA distributes but does not publish this product.

Technical Information

Description

A revision of the ADOS, the ADOS-2 is an observational assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).  Like its predecessor, the ADOS-2 is a semi-structured, standardised assessment of communication, social interaction, play, and restricted and repetitive behaviours.  It presents various activities that elicit behaviours directly related to a diagnosis of ASD.  By observing and coding these behaviours, you can obtain information that informs diagnosis, treatment planning, and educational placement.

Features and Benefits

• Updated Protocol Booklets now provide clearer, more explicit administration and coding instructions
• Revised algorithms for Modules 1 through 3 provide a more uniform basis for comparing results across the three modules that are used with children and young adolescents
• A new Comparison Score for Modules 1 through 3 allows you to compare a child's overall level of autism spectrum-related symptoms to that of children diagnosed with ASD who are the same age and have similar language skills
• Includes a Toddler Module for children aged 12 to 30 months who do not consistently use phrase speech
• New ADOS-2 scoring program

Scales & Forms

The ADOS-2 includes five modules, each requiring just 40 to 60 minutes to administer.  The individual being evaluated is given only one module, selected on the basis of his or her expressive language level and chronological age.

• Toddler Module: For children between 12 and 30 months of age who do not consistently use phrase speech
• Module 1: For children 31 months and older who do not consistently use phrase speech
• Module 2: For children of any age who use phrase speech but are not verbally fluent
• Module 3: For verbally fluent children and young adolescents
• Module 4: For verbally fluent older adolescents and adults

Training Options with Pearson Clinical

ADOS-2 administration and coding are highly standardised. Therefore, valid assessment requires training.  Two training options are available: 

• ADOS-2 DVD Training Package (10000W605DVDP) - recommended for use by clinicians who have not trained to use the original ADOS
• ADOS-2 DVD Training Upgrade Package (10000W606DVDP) - recommended for use by clinicians who have trained to use the original ADOS

The two DVD training options are described below:

1.  ADOS-2 DVD Training Package - Offering instruction in all five modules, this package includes:

• Training DVDs featuring case examples for all ADOS-2 modules. The case examples for Modules 1 through 4 are identical to those in the ADOS DVD training package (since these modules retain basic ADOS activities). The case examples for the Toddler Module are new.
• Updated and expanded Training Guidebook covering all five modules and reflecting ADOS-2 administration, coding, and scoring improvements.
• A CD containing PDFs of all Training Protocol Booklets, which can be printed out as needed.

2.  ADOS-2 DVD Training Upgrade Package - This package is for individuals already trained in ADOS Modules 1 to 4. It includes:

• The Toddler Training DVD
• Updated and expanded Training Guidebook covering all five modules and reflecting ADOS-2 administration, scoring and improvements.
• A CD containing PDFs of all Training Protocol Booklets, which can be printed out as needed.