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Frequently Asked Questions
Review essential information regarding ADHD and Autism assessments, clinical pathways, and the comprehensive support services we provide.
Frequently asked questions
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a standardised, evidence-based assessment tool used by trained clinicians to support the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
It involves a structured set of interactive activities and tasks designed to observe an individual's social communication, interaction, play, imagination, and any restricted or repetitive behaviours commonly associated with autism.
The assessment is carried out through direct interaction between the clinician and the individual, allowing the clinician to evaluate behaviours such as eye contact, conversational skills, emotional responses, and social reciprocity.
The ADOS includes different modules that are selected based on the person's age and level of language ability, making it suitable for use with young children, adolescents, and adults. Observations from these tasks are scored using a standardised coding system, which helps clinicians determine whether the individual's behaviours are consistent with autism.
The ADOS is widely used in clinical settings and research and is typically used alongside other assessments, such as developmental history and interviews, to contribute to a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.
The Conners 4th Edition (Conners 4) is a standardized behavioural rating assessment used to evaluate symptoms associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and related behavioural, emotional, and academic difficulties in children and adolescents.
It gathers information from multiple informants, typically parents, teachers, and sometimes the young person themselves, to provide a comprehensive view of functioning across different environments. The assessment measures domains such as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, executive functioning, emotional dysregulation, learning problems, and peer relationships.
Clinicians use the Conners 4 as part of a broader diagnostic process to help identify ADHD symptoms, understand the severity and impact of behaviours, and differentiate them from other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or oppositional behaviours. The results can inform diagnostic decisions, guide treatment planning, support school accommodations, and monitor progress or response to interventions over time.
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