Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders

Dr. Huckabee and Dr. Kroncke attended a two day intensive workshop on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) in June of 2011 aimed at improving reliability in using the ADOS for clinical and research use. The ADOS is the gold standard for tools used to make a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum. This training was sadly the last offered at the University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center where the ADOS was developed by Dr. Catherine Lord, the UMACC Director. Dr. Lord’s staff conducted this training which also offered updates on the ADOS-2 and toddler models that are currently being researched and developed. The ADOS provides a context for semi-structured standardized assessment of social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and play. The ADOS, when used properly, can successfully identify children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders who have a nonverbal mental age of at least 15 months. Currently the ADOS-T is being developed for use as young as 12 months of age. This measure can be used into adulthood as well. At Emerge we strongly believe in continuing education and ongoing training. In working with those professionals who developed this measure we have been able to further our knowledge and reliability in this measure and update our knowledge of current research and future directions for Autism diagnosis.