title: Diagnosing autism spectrum disorders in pre-school children using two standardised assessment instruments: the ADI-R and the ADOS.
abstract: The reliable diagnosis of Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder in pre-school children is important for access to early intervention and for accurate ascertainment for research. This paper explores the combined use of two standardised assessment instruments--the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)--in a large sample of pre-school children. The children were recruited to research studies, and a 'best estimate' clinical diagnosis reached. The findings show good agreement between the instruments especially for children with core Autism. The instruments appear to have a complementary effect in aiding diagnosis and confirm the importance of a multidisciplinary assessment process with access to information from different sources and settings. The presence of repetitive behaviours during the ADOS appeared of diagnostic significance.
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Medical Sciences, Child Health, University of Newcastle, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK. A.S.le-Couteur@newcastle.ac.uk
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Le Couteur
authors.forename: Gyles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Haden
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hammal
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: McConachie
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012919:Social Behavior; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior