DIAGNOSIS
How does the diagnostic process look like?
The diagnostic screening methods that we use to assess the extent of symptoms
of autistic spectrum disorder are a standard diagnostic practice
used in advanced countries.
We provide diagnostic tests ADI-R (an interview with a parent)
and ADOS-2 (direct observation of the child)
ADOS-2 is a process of direct observation under controlled circumstances (activities and offers) that create a plenitude of opportunities for social interactions and demonstration of communication abilities of the child.
The diagnostic test is evaluated by a precisely coded system that assesses the extent of symptoms of the autistic spectrum disorder. Only certified professionals can administer the ADOS diagnostic screening.
To avoid the discrimination of children with speech development delay, ADOS – 2 offers 5 modules. The choice of appropriate module is based on the level of child’s expressive speech and chronological age.
The screening takes 40-60 minutes to complete.
ADI-R diagnostic screening is an interview with the parents or other caregivers of the child. It is conducted by a professional other than ADOS-2. ADI-R focuses on 3 domains as follows: 1. Language skills and communication 2. Reciprocal social interaction 3. Repetitive and obsessive stereotypical behaviours and interests It usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The child is not present during the interview. The results are evaluated based on a coded system with precisely given criteria. The result is in form of an assessment of the extent of symptoms of the autistic spectrum Due to the current pandemic of COVID-19, it is possible to conduct the interview online.
The combination of the mentioned diagnostic methods ADOS-2 and ADI-R is a standard method in the process of diagnosing the autistic spectrum disorder worldwide. Both scales together provide a complex picture about the diagnosis of the child or adult from the point of view of autistic disorder. They demonstrate 85% sensitivity and 87 % specificity in comparison with criteria determined by MKCH-10 and DSM-IV (Baird et al., 2011; Matson et al, 2012). We do not provide an official diagnosis. The official diagnosis can be provided by a paediatric psychiatrist only. Child psychiatrists are aware of ADOS-2 and ADI-R diagnostic tools and take them into consideration in the process of assessing the diagnosis of the autistic spectrum disorder.
