Choosing Between the ADI-R and ADOS Autism Evaluations: What to Expect

Author: Fiona Smith

Taproot Therapy offers two Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations with specially trained evaluators: the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Many clients seeking autism evaluations wonder where to begin. Though both are effective diagnostic tools, there are key differences between the assessments. The ADOS evaluation was developed in the 1980s and updated in 2012. The ADI-R evaluation was updated in 2003, following its original development in 1989. 
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The ADI-R is useful if the interviewee has knowledge or access to knowledge of their developmental history. This evaluation is conducted in a structured, interview-style format with the clinician posing questions to the interviewee and takes into account a client’s full history from childhood until present. The ADI-R can be completed by a caregiver, parent, or close affiliate with knowledge of one’s childhood history.  If a young child is being tested for an autism diagnosis, this is often a helpful evaluation for a caregiver to complete.  For example, this interview may ask about specific habits or routines in childhood, and dives into detail on topics such as pronominal reversal. This evaluation can also be helpful for high-masking individuals, as it delves into behaviors from early childhood and toddler years.    

The ADOS evaluation is useful if the interviewee does not have access to developmental history. It is very present-focused and is an observation-style session, where the clinician assesses the interviewee’s communication skills, social interactions, and imaginative use of materials through semi-structured directions.  Some examples of ADOS related testing include the construction of a puzzle, telling of a story, discussion of future plans, and more. Present concerns are also discussed. This evaluation is helpful as it takes into account behaviors and actions in the room in front of the evaluator. 

It is entirely up to your specific needs and preferences as to which evaluation (or both!) to pursue. As these assessments offer results based on different frameworks (one, the past; the other, present observations), many clients choose to complete both evaluations for a complete picture, if feasible financially and time-wise. Either way, both evaluations provide accurate and clear indications of whether or not a diagnosis of ASD is necessary. 

Email Erin Iwanusa at [email protected] to learn more, or to schedule an evaluation!