The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) second edition is published by Western Psychological Services. It’s a standardized assessment that can help in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders across all ages, language skills, cultural backgrounds, and developmental levels.

The ADOS Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale is a standardized diagnostic assessment of social, imagination and communication skills of individuals who may have autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It primarily focuses on social and communication deficits since those are the most notable indicators of ASD. It can be used to assist in an ASD diagnosis and help rule our other developmental disorders.

The ADOS is not required in order to make a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The criteria for an autism diagnosis is clearly spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Psychologists and psychologists can make a clinical diagnosis using whatever tools they find appropriate. The ADOS provides professionals with a standardized and systematic method for identifying whether a child might be on the autism spectrum.

The ADOS is not the only standardized diagnostic test for diagnosing ASD. Another popular ASD assessment tool, the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), is also used by professionals. Using the ADOS and another tool like the ADI-R together in the diagnostic process can strengthen the data and provide more confidence when diagnosing autism spectrum disorders.

*cited from appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com*