Autism Testing
ADOS-2 is a gold standard diagnostic tool used to help assess Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The ADOS-2 delves into the key indicators of Autism, including communication, social interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors.
The ADOS-2 assessment is very natural and play-based. A variety of different toys and activities are used during the assessment that make it as fun as possible for the child. They are unaware that they are being evaluated.
ADOS-2 testing typically lasts 45-minutes to an hour. Our highly-trained clinician works through a variety of standardized activities that help them to observe the child’s behavior in key developmental areas.
How is ADOS-2 Conducted?
The ADOS-2 is conducted by one of our Board Certified Behavioral Analyst who is currently completing her Doctoral in Behavioral Health. Depending on the child’s age and how verbal they are, the parent might be asked to join the assessment. Our office is equipped with all necessary materials and stimuli required to run the assessment with accuracy.
- There are 4 different ADOS testing modules. The clinician will select the appropriate module based on the child’s age and communication level.
- The clinician will work through a series of structured and semi-structured tasks to observe the child’s social interactions, play skills, and communication.
- Following the assessment, the clinician completes a scoring process, and results are summarized and sent to Dr. Maia for use in diagnostic determination.
Our Qualifications
Our Assessment Department is led by our Doctorate-level Behavior Analyst who takes an active role in ongoing training, oversight, and assessment.
Modifications Due to Covid-19
Due to COVID-19, we have made necessary modifications to our ADOS-2 assessment. This includes the use of a face mask worn by the examiner as well as safety measures including HEPA air filters and UV/ozone lamps used before and after each client for maximum disinfection.
What to Expect?
The M Center offers the ADOS-2 assessment in order to help our practitioners determine whether a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is necessary for a child. Here’s what to expect throughout the process:
- Fill out an M-CHAT Autism Screening Tool (children under 3 years of age) or Pre-Assessment Screening (children 3 and older).
- Complete ADOS-2 Intake Paperwork prior to scheduled appointment time or arrive 10 minutes early to complete paperwork at the practice.
- The ADOS evaluation will last around 45 minutes to an hour. It’s a natural and play-based assessment. The M Center will fax your child’s ADOS results to your child’s neurologist or other specialists as needed.
- Your child’s M Center provider will review the ADOS-2 summary to determine whether diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder is met.
"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." -Einstein