Some autism tests, such as looking for pointing, looking for pretend play and looking for language at age appropriate levels is incorporated into the ADOS test. It is the gold standard for diagnosis for many years now. Pediatric hospitals, school systems, even independent clinicians use ADOS testing for autism. So, here is what you can expect if a practitioner, a physician or a multidisciplinary team performs an ADOS test.
In level one of the ADOS, the practitioner and the scenarios will be set up to look at how children respond to their name, if they’re pointing, and other language indicators. A lack of pointing is a red flag for children. They should begin pointing between 15 and 18 months of age. Pointing indicates interest and allows children to show something to a caregiver. Throughout the ADOS, while you’re working on the birthday party and different scenarios, you’ll also be watching for language, response to their name, and those sorts of things. Now, let us get to the specifics of what ADOS testing is.The ADOS test comprises four modules that are appropriate to children (as well as adults) of various language levels, from the non-verbal to conversational. The ADOS assessment of less verbal children falls in Modules 1 and 2. The ADOS 3 test is forthe assessment of more able and verbally fluent children. The test for autism also has a toddler module exclusively for children between 12-30 months old.Moreover, the select scores of the ADOS 2 test in the communication and social sections are combined in the diagnostic algorithm. This test for autism then sums up the repetitive behaviors and typecast interest pattern scores as a separate domain.Another related aspect that is no less important is what ADOS assessment for autism involves.The ADOS autism test typically takes place in a room with two clinicians. One of them engages the child and leads the activities while the other observes and records data. The ADOS assessment scoring generally takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour and ends with the clinicians meeting the parents to collect more information.
If you’re worried about a child showing signs of autism, ask your pediatrician about getting a referral for an ADOS test. In the meantime, you can learn my step by step approach that works for young children with and without autism by first going to marybarbera.com/quiz and then watching my free workshop to help you get started on the right path today.
