ADOSTest.netWhat Is the ADOS-2 Test? Modules, Scoring and Clinical Use
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), is a structured observation that a trained professional may use as part of an autism assessment. This guide explains how the module is chosen, what a score can tell you and what to ask at an appointment.
What happens during ADOS testing?
A trained professional guides you through activities or conversations and observes how you communicate and interact. The format depends on the module. An observation with a young child may involve play, while one with a verbally fluent adult may involve more conversation.
The observation is one part of the assessment. The service may also ask about early development and everyday experiences, gather information from someone who knows you well where appropriate, and arrange a separate discussion of the findings. Ask the service which parts are planned for your visit.
Sources · Stanford Autism Center · ADOS-2 Training FAQs · NHS (UK) · Autism assessments
The five ADOS-2 modules
The examiner selects one module based on age and expressive language, meaning how the person uses spoken words and sentences. The table summarizes who each module is designed for. The assessment service can explain which module it plans to use.
| Module | Who it is designed for |
|---|---|
| Toddler Module | Children aged 12–30 months who do not consistently speak in phrases. |
| Module 1 | From 31 months, when phrase speech is still inconsistent. |
| Module 2 | Children who speak in phrases but are not yet verbally fluent. |
| Module 3 | Verbally fluent children and younger adolescents. |
| Module 4 | Verbally fluent older adolescents and adults. |
Sources · Hogrefe · ADOS-2
How scores fit into a professional assessment
The examiner codes what they observed using the rules for the selected module. Modules 1–4 give an ADOS-2 classification. The Toddler Module uses ranges of concern to help guide follow-up. Both describe observations from the session.
The team considers the result alongside developmental history, experiences across settings and other clinical information. If you see a score or classification in a report, ask what it describes and how it informed the conclusion. A score on its own cannot establish a diagnosis or tell you what support someone needs.
Sources · Hogrefe · ADOS-2 · NICE (UK) · Adult autism assessment
What you can do online
The free adult self-assessment on ADOSTest.net uses original questions to help you reflect on your experiences. It cannot administer the clinical ADOS-2, and its score cannot be converted into an ADOS-2 score.
If you want a professional assessment, ask a qualified professional or local autism assessment service about the next steps. If you choose to bring the online summary, use it as a starting point for describing specific situations.
Questions to ask before and after an adult appointment
Assessment arrangements vary by service. Before the visit, check what will happen and what might make it easier to participate. At the end, ask when you will hear the findings and who can explain the report.
- Will this visit include an ADOS-2 observation? What else is planned, and how much time should I allow?
- Should I bring notes or previous reports? Can I ask for a break or another adjustment if I need one?
- When will I get feedback? Who can explain how the observation informed the conclusion and discuss next steps?
Sources · NHS (UK) · Autism assessments · NICE (UK) · Adult autism assessment