The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule: revised algorithms for improved diagnostic validity

J Autism Dev Disord. 2007 Apr;37(4):613-27. doi: 10.1007/s10803-006-0280-1. Epub 2006 Dec 16.

Abstract

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) Modules 1-3 item and domain total distributions were reviewed for 1,630 assessments of children aged 14 months to 16 years with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or with heterogeneous non-spectrum disorders. Children were divided by language level and age to yield more homogeneous cells. Items were chosen that best differentiated between diagnoses and were arranged into domains on the basis of multi-factor item-response analysis. Reflecting recent research, the revised algorithm now consists of two new domains, Social Affect and Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors (RRB), combined to one score to which thresholds are applied, resulting in generally improved predictive value.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Asperger Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Asperger Syndrome / psychology
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Communication
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imagination
  • Infant
  • Intellectual Disability / diagnosis
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Language Development Disorders / diagnosis
  • Language Development Disorders / psychology
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Observation
  • Play and Playthings
  • Psychological Tests / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Stereotyped Behavior
  • Vocabulary