ADOS assessment

[cmuir]

Hi

 

On Friday, a specialist phoned me to advise that they could arrange an ADOS assessment for Tuesday (which I accepted needless to say!). Can anyone tell me what format this assessment will take? I've been battling for 3 years to get someone to believe that something wasn't right with my son. Over the past year numerous specialists have seen him are are only willing to say that my son "is a very complex little boy" and that they suspect "something on the spectrum". I'm petrified that should my son be on his best behaviour that we'll be written off and that the 19 reports I have in my possession will be disregarded.

 

I'm hoping for great things and hope I'm not setting myself up for a major disappointment. Heard nothing but great things about this specialist who seems dedicated to her work. She also said that she feels that my son should be diagnosed as a matter of priority. Fingers crossed!

 

Caroline.

[Brook]

Caroline,

 

Sorry, I dont know what the assessment involves, but I have heard it mentioned on here before,

so I'm sure someone will be along soon.

 

Just wanted to wish you all the best.

 

Brook

[elainem]

Hi,

 

it is a structured play assessment. The psych will play with your son asking him to carry out age appropriate play on a variety of 'tasks'. All of this will be videoed. The Psych then reviews the video and scores against certain criteria. We were called for feedback about a week later. Our first ADOS was inconclusive but we got dx after the second one.

 

Elaine

[BusyLizzie100]

My son had an ADOS assessment as part of his diagnostic assessment.

 

ADOS stands for Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. I wasn't actually present when it was administered to my son, but my understanding is that the psychologist works through the 'test' using play and asking questions, depending on the age group of your child. As far as I know, my son was not videoed.

 

I totally understand your worries about your son behaving well and showing his true colours - I had similar concerns over my son. In fact, he only just scraped into the autism rating according to the ADOS, although other assessments (eg his history, observation at school etc) conifrmed the dx of AS. At one point I, too, was terrified that the assessors would dismiss any dx, although in the end my worries were needless.

 

I really don't think the ADOS can be used as a diagnostic tool on its own, I'm sure it has to be used in conjunction with other assessments. Don't let them convince you otherwise.

 

Good luck!

[cmuir]

Hi

 

Many thanks for your answers.

 

I sincerely hope that the specialists involved will take into account reports from EP, nursery manager and other specialists (19 reports to show for it to date!). I can't help feel that I've had to battle and battle (sound familiar?). Everytime we get an appointment or yet another assessment, I think 'this is it!', Unfortunately, I've been naaive thinking I'd get an diagnosis, even despite the fact it's been anything but easy. All anyone has said so far is that my son is 'a very complex little boy'. At the end of the day, I know that a diagnosis will open doors to services, but I do know that it won't solve everything. What it will do, is give me piece of mind that my son's behaviour isn't my fault and that he isn't just a naughty little boy. I love him dearly and am sick fed up being passed from pillar to post. I really really wanted a diagnosis tomorrow.

 

Caroline.

[BusyLizzie100]

Caroline,

 

how old is your son?

[carrieq]

Hi Caroline,

Ds has his ADOS on Wed. I was worried about his dx being taken away too but was told the test would be used to highlight strengths and weaknesses not say yes or no as the psych has already said ds is on the spectrum. Would be very interested to know how you find it. Hope it goes well.

Carrie

[cmuir]

Hi Carrie

 

My son is 4.5.

 

Caroline.

[cmuir]

Hi

 

Ooooops meant to address BusyLizzie100 not Carrie ? sorry!

 

My son's 4.5.

 

Caroline.