ADOS Assessment Information
Helping you understand your child’s needs with care, clarity and clinical expertise.
What is the ADOS?
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a structured assessment that helps identify signs of autism spectrum condition (ASC) in children and young people.It’s widely used by professionals and is considered a gold standard tool for observing behaviours related to communication, social interaction, play, and restricted or repetitive behaviours.
Who is it for?
The ADOS may be recommended if your child:
- Has difficulties with social interaction or communication
- Shows unusual or repetitive behavioursIs being considered for an autism diagnosis
- Has already had some assessment but needs further investigation
- We typically carry out ADOS assessments for children aged 18 months to 18 years, depending on their needs.
What does the assessment involve?
The ADOS is delivered through play-based and structured activities, carefully selected for your child’s age and developmental level.
What you can expect:
- 1:1 session with your child (usually 40–60 minutes)
- Activities that feel like play but are designed to observe key behaviours
- A follow-up session or written summary, depending on your needs
- The assessment is gentle, engaging and child-centred – it is not a test your child can pass or fail.
Who carries it out?
At Little Gems Speech Therapy, ADOS assessments are carried out by a trained and experienced paediatric speech and language therapist with over 12 years of NHS and private experience in autism and neurodevelopmental support. We understand that this process can feel overwhelming — we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Is ADOS a diagnosis?
The ADOS alone does not confirm or rule out autism. It forms part of a wider diagnostic pathway. We:
- Share results with you clearly and sensitively
- Work with other professionals (e.g. paediatricians, educational psychologists) as needed
- Can support you in progressing toward a formal diagnosis, EHCP application, or educational support planning
Why choose Little Gems for ADOS?
- Experienced with both early years and older children
- Fully trained in ADOS administration
- Clear, jargon-free parent feedback
- Support with next steps, including EHCPs
- Remote and face-to-face options available
What happens after the assessment?
After the session, we will:
- Review the observations in line with the ADOS criteria
- Provide a summary of findings
- Discuss any recommendations or referrals needed
- Offer ongoing therapy, if appropriate
- We’ll also guide you through the next steps, whether that’s onward referral, accessing support, or gathering evidence for an EHCP.
Ready to book or find out more? Contact us today to discuss whether ADOS is the right next step for your child.
📍Face-to-face appointments in West Yorkshire
🌍 Remote consultations available nationwide