ADI-R: an ASD diagnostic aid.

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a comprehensive clinical assessment tool that is used to diagnose individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The ADI-R is a semi-structured interview with a series of questions, focusing on the child’s Developmental History, Current Behaviours, and any Family History of Autism. It is typically administered by a qualified clinician, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker, and usually takes between one to two hours to complete.

The ADI-R is widely considered the gold standard for diagnosing autism, and is widely used in both research and clinical settings. The Developmental History section of the ADI-R assesses the individual’s developmental milestones and social interactions. It includes questions about the individual’s language, motor, and cognitive development; as well as questions about their communication, play, and socialisation skills. The Current Behaviors section includes questions about the individual’s current behaviors and interests, including repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and social engagement. The Family History of Autism section assesses the individual’s family history for autism and related disorders.

The ADI-R is a reliable and valid assessment tool that is used to diagnose autism in individuals of all ages. It is highly sensitive and specific in detecting ASD, and has been found to have great diagnostic accuracy. The ADI-R can be used in combination with other assessments, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), to add confidence in the diagnosis of autism. It provides a wealth of information about an individual’s developmental history, current behaviours, and family history, which can be used to then inform treatment planning.