ADOS FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is directed at professionals involved in the diagnosis and assessment of autism in either children or adults. Previous attendees of the course come from a wide range of service providers and job roles including Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Researchers, and specialists from other related disciplines.
Are there any requirements to take the course?
The course is suitable for individuals with some awareness of the ADOS as well as for those with limited or no previous exposure. Training to clinical reliability on the ADOS is appropriate for NHS employees at “skilled” level with knowledge and direct experience of autism. As there is a genuine need for trained personnel within autism diagnostic services, this course is not intended solely for professional development. Instead, to be considered, applicants must be based in a service in Scotland where there are opportunities to perform ADOS assessment with patients.
Why use the ADOS?
While there are alternatives, the ADOS is considered the ‘gold standard’ of autism assessment. As an instrument, the ADOS consistently stands out as having high levels of test sensitivity and specificity. As a result, practitioners are able to identify with precision key indicators of autism across age and developmental level. Additionally, the ADOS provides capture of complex behaviour in a semi-structured setting through direct clinical observation that is often not possible with other assessments of autism. The ADOS is further recommended in clinical guidelines as a valid and reliable standardised instrument which can be used for ‘direct observation’ as part of a comprehensive diagnostic assessment.
How much do I need to pay for the course?
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.
Will I be qualified to use the ADOS immediately after completing the course?
The course is intended to transform Participants into fully competent ADOS practitioners and includes both pre-coursework and post-coursework. After the course, Participants will be fully integrated into our coaching system where they will be matched with an experienced Coach from their own health board region to support the use of ADOS in clinical practice. Through applying guidelines from our extensive coaching framework, established by consultation with clinicians across Scotland, the Coach will sign off Participants upon meeting pre-defined reliability criteria. This process aims to both support Participants at all stages of the learning process and grow a skilled network of ADOS practitioners adept at delivering diagnostic services across Scotland.
How is access to the course facilities?
View our building access guide here.
Who should I contact if I have issues?
In the first instance you should contact the Course Organiser using ados.training@ed.ac.uk.