Description: Allows you to accurately assess and diagnose autism and pervasive developmental disorder across ages, developmental levels, and language skills This semistructured assessment can be used to evaluate almost anyone suspected of having autism—from toddlers to adults, from children with no speech to adults who are verbally fluent. The ADOS consists of various activities that allow you to observe social and communication behaviors related to the diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders. These activities provide interesting, standard contexts in which interaction can occur. The ADOS includes four modules, each requiring just 30 to 45 minutes to administer. The individual being evaluated is given just one module, depending on his or her expressive language level and chronological age. Following guidance provided in the manual, you select the appropriate module for each person. Module 1 is used with children who do not consistently use phrase speech, Module 2 with those who use phrase speech but are not verbally fluent, Module 3 with fluent children, and Module 4 with fluent adolescents and adults. The one gro Module 3 Construction Task Make-Believe Play Joint Interactive Play Demonstration Task Description of a Picture Telling a Story from a Book Cartoons Reporting a Nonroutine Event/Conversation Emotions Social Difficulties/Annoyance Break Friends/Loneliness/Marriage Creating a Story These activities provide a 30- to 45-minute observation period full of opportunities for the examinee to exhibit behaviors relevant to a diagnosis of autism or PDD. As you administer the ADOS, you record your observations, then code them later and formulate a diagnosis. Cutoff scores are provided for both the broader diagnosis of PDD/atypical autism/autism spectrum, as well as the traditional, narrower conceptualization of autism. Offering standardized materials and ratings, the ADOS gives you a measure of autism spectrum disorder that is unaffected by language. Because it can be used with a wide range of children and adults, it is a cost-effective addition to any hospital, clinic, or school that serves individuals with developmental disorders.

Series: ADOS Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

Publisher: Western Psychological Services