Adapting ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Second Edition) into ASL (American Sign Language)

"This child seems to have characteristics of autism but no one is evaluating that"

Autism diagnosis requires persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted/repetitive behaviors

Most Deaf people experience some degree of language deprivation, which affects their language, cognitive & socioemotional development

"This child seems autistic but we think it may be more related to hearing loss"

No autism assessment instrument is validated for use with Deaf/Hard of Hearing children in the US


ADOS-2

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

ADOS-2 is the gold-standard diagnostic tool for assessing Autism. The examiner presents social and communication presses via in a 30 to 60 minute activity-based  assessment to determine if the examinee's responses reveal markers of autism.

However, ADOS-2 is not appropriate for assessing individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or use American Sign Language (ASL).


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