ADOS

[deeeja]

Hi,
I have been debating this with a friend ofmine.
Basically we wanted to know what other peoples opinions are on whether a child can be trained to pass the ados test.
To me it seems a very simplistic test, with very restricted activities. I for one, have noticed that my 2yrs8months ds's portage worker seems to work on very restricted activities with him, i.e. those involved on the ados test. He is due to be tested again soon, and I think that he is being taught to 'pass' it iykwim. If he is, then thatis a pita, because obviously he can't generalise the skills to everyday life, and his problems are continuing, and in many ways he is getting worse.
My friend thinks that it won't really make a difference.
What does everyone think?
TIA!

So no-one then.............
Aaaaah, I always pick dumb thread titles.
But this is really bugging me.
So no-one has an opinion?
Maybe I am just a paranoid fool..

Im sorry I dont have any experience of the ados test but in theory I believe that it is possible to train children to pass specific tests. Can you question the portage worker about the activities she is doing with him?

Maybe if you give some examples of the activities she is doing with him and what is expected in the ADOS test I can give you are more informed answer.

I'm sorry but I don't know what an ADOS test is - can you explain?

Information on ADOS can be foun at www.agre.org/program/aboutadosg.cfm

deeja, you have the right to know what is going on, and should have been informed on what the portage worker is working on. If you haven't, ask.

I'm in two minds on this, since the portage worker may be working on your child's weaknesses, which is good. On the other hand if he is working on particular areas to get him through a diagnostic tool to ensure he is a denied an appropriate diagnosis then this is extremely bad, and very disturbing.

Will this person be forwarding a report to those doing the testing? If so will you receive a copy of that report? If not do those performing the diagnosis know this work is being done with your son?

Speak to them about your concerns.

My gut feeling is unless the intervention is intensive and covers various situations and locations the effects to the test will probably be minimal. However my advice to parents with concerns is always to talk to people and ask.

ADOS is only one diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of autism and should not be the only one. When my daughter was diagnosed it included interviews with us as parents and a report from the school. But should include reports from specialist working with your child.

If particular skills have been worked on these should be taken into account.

Hope this helps