Integrated & Community Services - Autistic Diagnostic Observational Schedule (ADOS)

What is the ADOS?

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a structured and standardised assessment of social communication, interaction, play and imagination for children who are undergoing assessment for Autistic Spectrum Condition.

The ADOS is a tool that we sometimes use to help identify features of Autistic Spectrum Condition. The examiner will choose different activities based on each child’s language and stage of development.

What happens during the assessment?

The ADOS assessment provides a series of opportunities for the examiner to observe your child’s social and communication skills.
For younger children and those children with fewer spoken words, the activities will involve play with objects, a snack and social games with the examiner.

For older children and those with more language, the activities will involve play with objects, telling stories and conversation.

Please make us aware if your child has any allergies. Some of the ADOS modules may involve a snack and some of the play activities may involve use of latex balloons and/or bubbles.

Will I be with my child during the assessment?

For younger children, one parent/carer is present during the ADOS.

For older children, the parent/carer may or may not be present.

During the ADOS, the parent may smile and comment if their child approaches them, but otherwise should not prompt or instruct their child unless asked to do so by the examiner.

Please do not bring other children or family members to the appointment.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)/Compliments, Concerns and Complaints

We welcome your suggestions as to how we can improve services and provide care which better reflects your needs.

We would like to hear from you if you think we have done something well, or if you have suggestions on how we could do something differently. Equally, we want to know if you are unhappy with the service provided or have a complaint.

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is a free and confidential service for patients, their families, carers and friends.

They are there to respond to concerns about any aspect of your care or Trust services in the aim to resolve any problems as quickly and easily as possible.

Tel: 0161 778 5665 or Email pals@nca.nhs.uk

If you do not think PALS is right for your situation, or you are not satisfied with the outcome of discussions with the PALS Officer, you can contact the complaints service to make a formal complaint.

Tel: 0161 656 1141 or Email office.complaints@nca.nhs.uk