1 The rigour of international standards for autism screening
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) are recognised worldwide as the gold-standard tools for clinical investigation of autism spectrum disorders. Developed by international research teams, they objectively quantify atypical behaviours in social communication and repetitive interests.
2 Administration: direct observation and parental interview
The ADOS-2 offers standardised play and conversational activities adapted to the person's age and language level, from a young non-speaking child to a verbally fluent adult. The certified practitioner observes social-emotional reciprocity, gaze, communicative gestures and creativity. In parallel, the ADI-R is a two- to three-hour semi-structured interview with parents, tracing developmental history in detail from early childhood.
3 Diagnostic precision and a multidisciplinary approach
The results of these tools do not constitute a diagnosis in themselves: they must be incorporated into a comprehensive multidisciplinary medical assessment coordinated by a child psychiatrist or psychiatrist, bringing together cognitive, speech and language, and psychomotor assessments to rule out other differential diagnoses.
4 The place of this approach within care
This approach establishes essential objective reference points: it relieves families of guilt-laden doubts, gives scientific expression to distinctive ways of functioning, and opens access to appropriate school adjustments and psychoeducational care.
5 Certified training and kindness towards children and parents
Administering the ADOS-2 requires advanced, certified university training to ensure reliable clinical scoring. The practitioner establishes a relaxed, warm atmosphere, ensuring that the child experiences the session as stimulating, affirming play.