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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2021

01-12-2021 | Autism Spectrum Disorder | Research article

Predicting diagnostic outcome in adult autism spectrum disorder using the autism diagnostic observation schedule, second edition

Authors: Marios Adamou, Sarah L. Jones, Stephanie Wetherhill

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) module four assessment for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in adults has shown good sensitivity and specificity in research settings.

Method

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the ADOS-2 module four by investigating the components of the assessment, in relation to diagnostic outcome in a clinical setting. Data from 88 service users referred to a Specialist Adult Autism Service was explored.

Results

ADOS-2 scores failed to predict the diagnostic outcome (overall sensitivity = 92%, specificity = 57%). Interestingly, scores from the ‘restricted interests’ component of the ADOS-2 have the potential to predict diagnostic outcome, despite this domain not been included in the scoring algorithm.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, we recommend clinicians are cautious when interpreting results of the ADOS-2 assessment.
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Metadata
Title
Predicting diagnostic outcome in adult autism spectrum disorder using the autism diagnostic observation schedule, second edition
Authors
Marios Adamou
Sarah L. Jones
Stephanie Wetherhill
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-03028-7

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