ADOS

[Iamsodone]

How often is it that children do not want to do the ADOS, part of an ASD assessment ? either out of demand avoidance, anxiety, refusal etc ?
I have had an SaLT telling me it never happens because it is such a joyful experience, I am struggling to believe it, as I fear my DD will not just want to do it, out of anxiety and demand avoidance
thank you

IME, a reluctance to take part in some of the tasks isn’t rare, but flat out refusal to take part in it at all is more unusual, although not unheard of I don’t think. It probably depends on age too. The younger the DC the less likely IME.

Joyful experience?! That's a bit of a stretch.

I've seen it administered twice, to both of my ND children. With my eldest they would have liked me to leave the room and wait outside but my son was too anxious so I just sat in the corner of the room and tried to blend in.

Younger son's assessment I was invited in from the start. He is all over the place and was spinning, climbing chairs, wanting his arms around all over the shop. It was quite funny actually. When my son didn't want to engage he said "I am not going to answer that". They left those questions unanswered.

I think if you are also allowed in to the room, your presence will also be reassuring for your child x