Autism Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Autism, including details on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, causes, effects.

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

Gotham K, Risi S, Pickles A, Lord C

University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2054, USA. kog@umich.edu

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.

Published 6 April 2007 in J Autism Dev Disord, 37(4): 613-27.
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