Parent Press

a Goally Publication

Get

Goally

What is Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised?

Home>>Neurodiversopedia>>A Terms

Summary

summary

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a tool that doctors and researchers use to help diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The ADI-R asks questions about how a person interacts with others, communicates, and behaves in repetitive or stereotyped ways. The ADI-R is usually given to a caregiver of a person with suspected ASD, and it has 93 questions to help assess different aspects of ASD symptoms. The ADI-R is helpful for doctors and researchers who want to understand more about people with ASD.

Frequently Asked Question

donut

Is the ADI-R the only tool used to diagnose ASD?

No, the ADI-R is one of several tools that can be used to diagnose ASD. Other diagnostic tools may include the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and a thorough clinical evaluation.

How reliable is the ADI-R in diagnosing ASD?

The ADI-R has been shown to have good reliability and validity in diagnosing ASD, and it is one of the most widely used instruments for this purpose.

Can the ADI-R be used to monitor progress in individuals with ASD?

While the ADI-R is primarily used for diagnostic purposes, it can also be used to monitor progress in individuals with ASD over time. By administering the ADI-R at different points in time, clinicians and researchers can assess changes in ASD symptomatology and the effectiveness of interventions.

Scientific Definition

scientist

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a standardized, semi-structured interview widely used to diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The ADI-R was developed to assess social interaction, communication, and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors in individuals suspected of having ASD. It is typically administered to caregivers of children and adults with suspected ASD, and it consists of 93 items that assess different aspects of ASD symptomatology. The ADI-R is one of the most widely used instruments for diagnosing ASD and has been shown to have good reliability and validity. The ADI-R is a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers who are interested in better understanding the symptoms and characteristics of individuals with ASD.

Real World Example of Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised

Imagine Susie, a 5-year-old girl struggling with social interactions and communication at school. She prefers playing alone and exhibits repetitive behaviors like lining up toys. Let’s explore how the ADI-R can assess Susie for ASD:

  1. Initial Evaluation: Susie’s parents consult a specialized child psychologist who evaluates her behavior and development while discussing their concerns.
  2. Detailed Assessment: Based on the evaluation, the psychologist decides to administer the ADI-R to gather in-depth information about Susie’s symptoms.
  3. ADI-R Administration: In a separate appointment, the psychologist asks Susie’s parents a series of questions. They cover social interactions, communication skills, and repetitive behaviors—for example, eye contact frequency or unusual speech patterns.
  4. Diagnosis Process: The psychologist utilizes the ADI-R responses to diagnose ASD. Susie’s severe deficits in speech, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors align with an ASD diagnosis.
  5. Personalized Treatment: After the ASD diagnosis, Susie’s parents work with the psychologist to create a tailored treatment plan addressing her unique symptoms and needs.

By employing the ADI-R, the psychologist gains comprehensive and standardized insights into Susie’s symptoms, leading to an accurate ASD diagnosis. This assessment ensures Susie receives appropriate support and intervention.

How Does Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised Work?

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a valuable tool for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Administered to a caregiver, this semi-structured interview focuses on social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. It takes about one to two hours to complete and gathers information about current behavior and early childhood experiences. Here’s how the ADI-R is used:

  1. Diagnosis and Treatment: Clinicians use the ADI-R to gather information about a child’s behavior and symptoms, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.
  2. Research: Researchers analyze ADI-R data to study the prevalence and patterns of ASD symptoms in specific populations, exploring factors like gender and age.
  3. Education: School psychologists employ the ADI-R to assess students suspected of having ASD, identifying behavioral discrepancies across different settings.

By providing standardized and objective assessments, the ADI-R assists in guiding diagnosis, treatment, and research efforts related to ASD. For kids with ASD, technology like Goally can help build life and language skills through fun apps and digital visual schedules.

 

This post was originally published on May 2, 2023. It was updated on July 14, 2023.