Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule β Second Edition
The ADOS-2 is a standardized assessment tool used to evaluate social communication and interaction in individuals suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For this assessment, Module 3 was utilized, which is designed for children and adolescents with fluent speech.
Observations of Alex's strengths and difficulties on the ADOS were as follows:
Language and communication β including verbal skills (frequency and type of communication, quality of language, echolalia, jargon, intonation and pitch, stereotyped and idiosyncratic use) and non-verbal skills (pointing, gestures, use of others' body to communicate).
- Alex demonstrated frequent verbal communication with clear articulation, though there was occasional echolalia. The quality of language was generally appropriate, with some use of jargon. Non-verbal communication included limited gestures and pointing.
Reciprocal Social Interaction β including eye contact, social smile, facial expression, gaze interaction, shared enjoyment, response to name, requesting, giving and showing, joint attention (response and initiation), quality of social overtures
- Alex maintained inconsistent eye contact and had a limited range of facial expressions. Shared enjoyment was observed during specific activities, though responses to name were delayed. Social overtures were present but lacked depth.
- Alex was able to understand and retell a story from a picture book with some assistance, demonstrating basic comprehension and engagement.
- Alex showed some difficulty in recognizing and expressing emotions, often requiring prompts to react appropriately in social interactions.
- Alex had limited insight into social relationships and own social difficulties, often misinterpreting social cues.
- Understanding of adult relationships was basic, with some recognition of authority figures.
- Overall, Alex showed moderate rapport with the examiner, enjoying joint interactions but with limited insight into emotions and social relationships.
Imagination - including imagination and creativity
- Alex displayed creativity during play, engaging in pretend play with some imaginative elements.
Stereotyped behaviours and restricted interests β including complex mannerisms, unusual sensory interests, self-injurious behaviour, repetitive interests & stereotyped behaviours
- Alex exhibited hand-flapping and repetitive actions, with a strong fixation on specific topics, such as trains.
Overall
- Based on the ADOS-2 scores, Alex meets the criteria for an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. The level of Autism symptoms is consistent with other children diagnosed with ASD, indicating a moderate level of support is required.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule β Second Edition
[Brief description of assessment tool used] (provide a short overview of the ADOS-2 assessment tool, including the specific module used)
Observations of [Name]'s strengths and difficulties on the ADOS were as follows:
Language and communication β including verbal skills (frequency and type of communication, quality of language, echolalia, jargon, intonation and pitch, stereotyped and idiosyncratic use) and non-verbal skills (pointing, gestures, use of others' body to communicate).
- [Observations related to language and communication skills, including verbal and non-verbal communication] (describe verbal communication like frequency of speech, echolalia, and quality of language, as well as non-verbal communication like gestures and pointing)
Reciprocal Social Interaction β including eye contact, social smile, facial expression, gaze interaction, shared enjoyment, response to name, requesting, giving and showing, joint attention (response and initiation), quality of social overtures
- [Observations related to reciprocal social interaction, including eye contact, facial expressions, shared enjoyment, and quality of social interactions] (note behaviours like response to name, gaze interaction, and social overtures)
- [Observations related to understanding and retelling a story from a picture book] (note the ability to comprehend, narrate, and engage with visual storytelling)
- [Observations related to understanding and expressing emotions] (describe ability to recognize, express, or react to emotions in social interactions)
- [Observations related to understanding social relationships and own social difficulties] (include observations on how the individual perceives their social interactions and challenges)
- [Observations related to understanding adult relationships] (note any understanding or commentary on relationships with adults or authority figures)
- [Overall observations related to rapport, enjoyment in joint interaction, and insight into emotions and social relationships] (summarise the individual's overall engagement, rapport with the examiner, and insight into social dynamics)
Imagination - including imagination and creativity
- [Observations related to imagination and creativity during play and storytelling] (describe creative play, use of imagination, or pretend play abilities)
Stereotyped behaviours and restricted interests β including complex mannerisms, unusual sensory interests, self-injurious behaviour, repetitive interests & stereotyped behaviours
- [Observations related to stereotyped behaviours and restricted interests, including sensory seeking behaviour, mannerisms, and unusual or highly specific interests] (note behaviours like hand-flapping, repetitive actions, and fixations on specific topics or objects)
Overall
- [Summary of ADOS-2 scores and likelihood of meeting criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, including level of Autism symptoms compared to other children with a diagnosis of Autism] (summarise the results, noting whether the individual meets the diagnostic criteria for ASD based on the ADOS-2 scores and observations)
