ADOS Autism Testing In Michigan. A Complete Guide For Parents.

The ADOS is a standardized test that measures social skills, communication skills, and behaviors in children. The purpose of the test is to help determine whether a child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or another developmental disability. The ADOS is a series of tests that are administered by trained clinicians in a clinical setting. It is not meant to be administered by parents at home.

The ADOS Testing Process

The ADOS-2 is currently the most frequently used version of the test with over 10,000 published cases worldwide. The ADOS-2 takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete and uses approximately 20 standardized items to evaluate children ages 3 through 11 years old for ASD symptoms.[1] This test is not intended for use with any other diagnosis besides ASD.[2] The ADOS-2 consists of four modules:

1. Social interaction
2. Communication
3. Repetitive behaviors (RRBs)
4. Restricted repetitive interests or activities

How ADOS Testing Is Administered

The ADOS is administered by a trained examiner who follows a standardized protocol. The examiner begins by explaining the test’s purpose and answering any questions from the parent(s) or guardian(s). The examiner then explains the rules of the test, including what is expected of the child during each part of the evaluation. The test is divided into four sections, with each section lasting about 20 minutes:

• Greeting and Orientation. During this section, the examiner observes how children respond to orienting instructions and instructions to engage in simple social interactions, such as shaking hands or saying hello.
• Play and Social Interaction. During this section, children are asked to play with toys while they are observed for their ability to share toys with others, engage in pretend play using props, follow rules dictated by adults, maintain eye contact and focus on people speaking to them.
• Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors (RIRB). This section assesses children’s interests and repetitive behaviors by asking them to participate in activities that involve restricted interest or repetitive behavior — such as playing with toys that have spinning parts — and then observing how they respond.
• Mental Development. This section assesses a child’s mental development based on her understanding of language and gestures.

Who Can Administer The ADOS In Michigan

The ADOS test is administered by a psychologist who has completed an extensive training program. The psychologist administering the test will have been trained in the use of the ADOS, as well as in diagnosing ASD and other similar disorders. The testing can be performed by any qualified licensed health professional who has completed the training required by their state or country. These individuals may include psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and other professionals who have passed their respective licensing exams and are licensed to practice in the state of Michigan.

Where To Get ADOS (ADOS-2) Testing Completed In Michigan

As qualified providers in the state of Michigan, the clinicians of Bright Pine Behavioral Health are experts in the diagnostic process. We have some of the shortest wait times in the state and conduct the most thorough assessments. Feel free to reach out to Dr Lewitzke and her team to schedule your assessment. We are a proud referral partner of The Autism Alliance of Michigan as well as many other local medical professionals.