The ADOS
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a naturalistic, observational, standardised assessment that plays a key role in the differential diagnosis of autism. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline on autism assessment, diagnosis and intervention ('the SIGN Guideline') states that 'a clinical observation / assessment element is an essential part of the diagnostic pathway'. The ADOS is globally recognised as the ‘gold standard’ instrument for this purpose. The ADOS also plays a key role in research as a way to characterise participants comprehensively, accurately and with direct clinical relevance. Lack of ADOS skills is a significant problem leading to long-waiting times for autistic people and their families, and inferior quality of the diagnostic process.
For further up to date and official information on the ADOS, please visit the publisher page here.
The Course
This video outlines what to expect when taking part in a Scottish ADOS Consortium training course. We recommend that anyone who is considering ADOS training views this before applying.
A) To deliver the highest quality ADOS training including:
- Coverage of all ADOS modules in current use in diagnostic practice in Scotland
- Structured pre-course work - two “live practice” recordings provided by the Participant, and two ratings from training videos provided by the Consortium
- An opportunity for live practice embedded within the course itself
- One Trainer for every four Participants, delivering small group work as well as plenary lecture sessions, live procedural demonstrations and group ratings from training videos
- Post-course work - two “live practice” recordings provided by the Participant, and two ratings from training videos provided by the Consortium, with repetitions until thresholds for reliability have been reached
- Detailed support from a local Coach to transition to independent, reliable clinical use
B) To support Scotland-based clinicians to adhere to the SIGN Guideline on autism
C) To deliver training within the capacity of qualified Trainers in full-time clinical roles without detriment to their services
In addition, we believe occasional inclusion of researchers in a small minority of course spaces contributes to delivery of world-class clinical research in Scotland, which in turns feeds into evidence-based practice.
We aim to deliver four courses each year through four consecutive days of intensive training (approximately 9am-4pm). The course is structured to provide a broad overview of understanding and administering modules 1 to 4, with some additional inclusion of the toddler module. Training is a combination of classroom presentations supported by small group work, guaranteeing maximum face to face time between Trainer and Participant. Our course is different compared to many other providers by delivering ‘live practice’ with Volunteers, offering a unique opportunity for hands on experience with demonstrations and behavioural coding. Each day sees Participants progress in a stepwise fashion with active discussion throughout.
Furthermore, the course employs structured pre- and post-coursework to embed within Participants the skills required to become competent ADOS practitioners. This includes being matched with an experienced Coach for further support and guidance after training, and receiving access to a comprehensive shared video library with coding repetitions until thresholds for reliability have been reached.
This course is fully subsidised by NES. Individuals do not have to pay. However those attending are expected to purchase separately their own course materials and organise and fund their own overnight accommodation, should this be required.
A number of changes to ADOS training have been introduced on the programme taking effect since 2020. The amendments build on previous courses to provide additions that are genuinely helpful for course attendees to develop practical ADOS competencies, and to further modernise existing provisions. The main adjustments are as follows:
- Updates to learning materials. A Course Guidebook has been specially designed to support Participants chronologically throughout their training. Trainers and Coaches also benefit from their own freshly updated teaching and support material.
- A new Private SharePoint. Course attendees receive access to a confidential ADOS video library alongside supporting notes, training documents, and space to upload private ADOS administrations for individual feedback. This is an invaluable resource for ADOS practitioners regardless of experience level.
- Live practice. Direct experience of using the ADOS with autistic volunteers in training while under the supervision of an expert Trainer.
- Coaching Framework. Participants are paired with an experienced Coach before and after training to answer questions, provide one-on-one assistance, and ensure that Participants are ready to be certified as independent ADOS practitioners.
The Consortium are the official provider of ADOS training in Scotland. The group consists of expert clinicians and researchers committed to the delivery of excellent autism diagnostic and intervention provision throughout Scottish NHS health boards. This is in addition to having links with training consortia in England, the Netherlands, and the USA, including with Professor Catherine Lord who created the ADOS. Upon successful graduation, Participants are awarded with accreditation, marked against standardised criteria, with certificates issued by the University of Edinburgh.
A number of alternative commercial ADOS training providers exist, delivering two- or three-day courses that fall short of the standards we believe are essential for good clinical practice. For example, these courses rarely include opportunities for “live practice”, where Participants have a chance to practice an ADOS with an autistic Volunteer. However, our Participants complete multiple live practices before, during and after the course. In addition, many commercial providers fail to provide or monitor post-course work. In contrast, we ensure that our Participants have met minimum acceptable standards of reliability as administrators and coders of the ADOS assessment, and are supported even after returning to the workplace.