Standardized Diagnostic Instruments for Autism Spectrum Disorders: the Use of ADOS-2 and ADI-R

Abstract

Standardized diagnostic methods for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been internationally used by professionals for diagnosis validation, diagnostic classification for intervention planning, structured collection of behavioral and developmental data as well as stand-alone diagnostic instruments. Recently, two of such instruments — Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ADOS-2 and Autism Diagnostic Interview ADI-R — became available in Russian. The article briefly describes both instruments and presents expert assessment of potential and possible limitations of Russian-language ADOS-2 and ADI-R. Preliminary ADOS-2 psychometric data attests to sufficient sensitivity and positive predictive value to be used as an observation instrument. More research is needed to confirm its differential diagnostic ability.