Acacia Therapy - Allied Health

Call us today on (07) 46 001 343 or email us: info@acaciatherapy.net

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2 (ADOS - 2)

Acacia Therapy runs an ADOS assessment clinic. Acacia Therapy is paedatric allied health service located in Toowoomba, supporting clients in surrounding regional areas.

What is an ADOS assessment?

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) - 2nd Edition is a key tool in our Autism assessment process. The ADOS-2 is suitable for all ages, abilities, and language skills, it is a semi-structured, standardised assessment that evaluates communication, social skills, play, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. It helps us understand how your child or young person's strengths and abilities in each of these areas.

Why is my child having an ADOS assessment?

Your child has been referred for an assessment to determine if they may have autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condtion that influences how a person communicates, interacts with others, and perceives the world around them.

The ADOS-2 assessment is part of a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by a multi-disciplinary team, very often including a paediatrician, psychiatrist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, and/or psychologist. The ADOS-2 assessment alone does not diagnose autism but supports the diagnostic process.

About Acacia Therapy ADOS assessment clinic:

Our Senior Speech and Langugage Pathologist Nicola Brown and Clinical Manager (OT) Louise Edwards are both ADOS trained. While the ADOS-2 assessment can be completed with children and adults, Acacia Therapy is only offering the ADOS-2 assessments to paediatric clients.

During the assessment process, the practitioners will first get to know you and your familiy through a phone call before meeting your child. This gives the practitioner the opportunity to understand your valuable perspective before commencing the ADOS-2 assessment.

Next, the practitioners will administer the ADOS-2 assessment and observe how your child responds and interacts, looking for specific behaviours and signs related to autism. The assessment activities are primarily play or conversational based (if appropriate) and are aimed at creating a relaxed and comfortable environment. Parent / caregivers are usually required to be present during the assessment; however, are not directly involved in the assessment's administration.

Finally, the practitioners will write a report based on the assessment results.

We conduct ADOS assessments from our Toowoomba based clinic. Our team also travels to regional locations to conduct ADOS assessments (e.g., Dalby, Millmerran, Crows Nest and Chinchilla) to conduct ADOS-2 assessment.

To book an appointment, please contact Acacia Therapy on (07) 46 001 343 or via the contact us page.