Assessment 

Charting New Paths: The First Step is Understanding

Autism Assessment -ADI-R and ADOS-2

Stress Free Autism Assessment 

Getting a child assessed towards autism can be a long and stressful journey.

We are proud to be able to offer ADI-R and ADOS 2 autism assessment, recognised by the NHS and adhere to the NICE Guidelines.

         What is ADI-R?

The ADI-R, or Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, isa structured interview used to assess individuals for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by gathering information from caregivers about the individual's developmental history, social interactions, communication skills, and repetitive behaviors.

• Purpose:

  The ADI-R is a tool used by clinicians and researchers to gather information about an individual's developmental history and current behavior related to ASD.

  
  
• Focus:

  It focuses on three key areas: language and communication, reciprocal social interactions, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors and interests.

  
  
• Administration:

  The interview is typically conducted with a parent or caregiver who knows the individual well, particularly during their early years (around 4-5 years of age).

  
  
• Content:

  The ADI-R consists of 93 items that explore various aspects of an individual's development and behavior, including developmental milestones, family background, schooling, and specific behaviors associated with autism.

  
  

  What is ADOS -2 ?

The ADOS-2, or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition, is a standardised, semi-structured assessment tool used by professionals to diagnose autism spectrum condition in children and adults, focusing on observational assessment of communication, social interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors.

• Purpose:

  The ADOS-2 is designed to help clinicians systematically observe and assess behaviors related to autism, aiding in the diagnosis and understanding of individuals with ASC.

  
  
• Method:

  It involves a semi-structured play or interview session, where the individual engages in activities that elicit behaviors relevant to ASC diagnosis.

  
  
• Modules:

  The ADOS-2 has different modules (or versions) tailored to the individual's age, developmental level, and language skills.

  
  
• "Gold Standard":

  The ADOS-2 is widely considered a "gold standard" for observational assessment of autism, alongside the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).

Please note that we are only able to offer assessments, not a full diagnosis.

The reports can be used for:

• educational support
• application for EHCP
• future diagnosis
• GP referral for full diagnosis
• understanding yourself/ your child

What is Sensory Profile?

A sensory profile is a measure, often in the form of a questionnaire or assessment tool, that helps understand an individual's sensory processing patterns in the context of daily life. It is widely used in occupational therapy and psychology to gain insight into how sensory perception affects an individual's behaviors and activities.

The assessment often focuses on how individuals process information across various sensory modalities such as touch (tactile), balance and movement (vestibular), body position (proprioception), vision, hearing, smell, and taste. The sensory profile can help identify sensory processing issues that might contribute to challenges in daily activities, behaviors, and overall function.

Sensory Quadrants model yields four sensory processing patterns, or quadrants:

1. Low Registration (High Threshold + Passive Behavior): Individuals in this quadrant may not notice sensory stimuli that others typically notice. They may seem unaware of their environment and require extra sensory input to respond.

2. Sensation Seeking (High Threshold + Active Behavior): These individuals enjoy intense sensory experiences and seek out additional sensory stimuli. They are often described as thrill-seekers or individuals who crave sensory input.

3. Sensory Sensitivity (Low Threshold + Passive Behavior): Individuals in this quadrant are easily bothered by sensory stimuli but tend not to take active steps to avoid or modify the input. They may be uncomfortable in bright lights, noisy environments, or when experiencing certain textures.

4. Sensation Avoiding (Low Threshold + Active Behavior): These individuals are not only sensitive to sensory input but also actively try to control their environment to limit exposure to certain sensory experiences. They may avoid crowded places, certain types of food, or clothing textures, for example.

Different versions of sensory profiles are designed for various age ranges, from infants to adults, and can help in developing individualized therapeutic plans to support sensory processing needs.