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Collaborative Autistic Identification: Understanding the ADOS-2 Assessment

If you are exploring whether an autism assessment might be helpful for your child, this video explains how we approach collaborative autistic identification using the ADOS-2.
Families often come with mixed feelings. There can be uncertainty, concern, or simply a need for clearer understanding. An assessment is not about placing a label on a child. It is about building insight into how your child communicates, connects, processes information and experiences the world, so support can be tailored in a meaningful way.

What is ADOS-2?
The ADOS-2, or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, is an internationally recognised and evidence based tool used to inform autism diagnosis in children and adolescents. It involves structured activities and guided interaction designed to explore social communication, interaction patterns, sensory responses and focused interests.

The ADOS-2 is not used on its own. It forms part of a broader assessment process that may include parent interviews, developmental history and behavioural observations. This collaborative approach helps organise observations into something clearer and more practical for families.

Who is this assessment for?
Families may seek an autism evaluation when a child:

  • Finds peer relationships confusing or exhausting
  • Appears socially capable but struggles internally
  • Has strong, highly focused interests
  • Shows sensory sensitivities or difficulty with change

Sometimes concerns have been present for years. Sometimes they arise more recently. An assessment helps organise those observations into something clearer.

When should parents consider assessment?
Families may consider an autism evaluation when a child finds peer relationships confusing or exhausting, appears socially capable but struggles internally, shows strong focused interests, or experiences sensory sensitivities and difficulty with change. Sometimes concerns have been present for years. Sometimes they emerge as social demands increase.

A diagnosis does not change who a child is. It can, however, change how well they are understood and supported at home, at school and within their wider community.

For detailed information about our comprehensive autism assessment process and how to book, please visit our Assessment page.