How young can the ADOS be carried out?

[misscutandstick]

DS5 is 3.6y but has a delay of 2yrs. He is also non-verbal, with a bit of a lack of understanding (functions around a year for receptive language). Could the ADOS be performed and an accurate reading be had or is he simply "too young"?

Also, would it be CAHMS that would carry it out or somebody else?

Did you see that powerpoint I put on TTR today?Covers ages for DX in some bits IIRC (I think there may be one on the actual tests somewhere, will look)

You'd ahve to find out the policy of your local PCT- here they refertoapeds up to school age, CAMHs after and they use ADI-R and 3Di as the tests of choice.

I do know they are now diagnosing under 18 months,although obviously at that age you can't get a relaible prediction oflongterm prognosis.

Will go see what I have on tests and pop on TTR

My DS was 3 and a bit. We're lucky to have a pre-school autism assessment centre here so it was just a case of getting him on their list and the ADOS was part of a whole programme of multidisciplinary assessments and observation. They are a centre of excellence so if anyone argues about the age thing tell them to phone for up-to-date advice.

Hey peachy, sorry Im not on TTR yet - could we organise that please?

P - i was fighting with the new paed today, and wanted some assessments doing, ANY asessments as NONE have been done at all, even tho DS5 has been under paed since 3mths old. its quite obvious that he is autistic, but they all say "hes doing well" and blame any behaviour on his delay.

Im totally pissed off TBH.

Why don't you phone the place I linked to yourself and get their advice/opinions on age? Can't hurt.

actually hadnt thought of that - to much steam out my ears i guess.

good thinking!

Well you know, might help give you some concrete info and references for the argument. Good luck.

Dd got her autism diagnosis at just two. Her assessment started at 17 months so much younger than ds. At time of diagnosis her development profile was between 6 and 12 months.

Not too young and OK if non-verbal. It would be ADOS Module 1/ Pre-verbal.

DS had it when he was 18 months and I wondered at the time if it was really appropriate for that age (for any NT 18 month old I mean) eg, the birthday party exercise - the instructor wanted him to light pretend matches and sing happy birthday. He'd only been to one birthday party before by that stage - his own - and that was six months previously. I can't find the link now but I do remember reading that although the ADOS is the gold standard for diagnosing ASDs, it has perhaps a more limited value for the under 3s. I personally think you need an instructor who is extremely experienced both in administering the ADOS and in knowing what is 'normal' for a 12-24 month old child.