Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule™ (ADOS®-2)
Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services in collaboration with Adult Pediatric Institute for Health and Wellness are proud to offer the pinnacle in comprehensive and inclusive autism evaluations.
The program offers comprehensive autism evaluations for children up to the age of 18 and utilizes evidence-based tools administered by a team of experienced clinicians led by a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, which is a Medical Doctor to help determine what may be going on. These assessment tools are widely accepted by both insurance companies and school boards to approve services that are medically necessary for your condition.
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule™, Second Edition (ADOS®-2) is a standardized diagnostic test for assessing autism spectrum disorder. The protocol consists of a series of structured and semi-structured tasks that involve social interaction between the examiner and the person under assessment. The examiner observes and identifies aspects of the child's behavior, assigns these to predetermined categories, and combines these categorized observations to produce quantitative scores for analysis. Research-determined cut-offs identify the potential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, allowing a standardized assessment of autistic symptoms.
The ADOS®-2 consists of a series of structured and semi-structured tasks. During this time, the examiner provides a series of opportunities for the subject to show social and communication behaviors relevant to the diagnosis of autism. Each child is administered activities from the module that corresponds to their developmental and language level.
Understanding the ADOS®-2
The ADOS®-2 is a test that helps doctors figure out if someone might have autism. It's like a game or activity that a trained person uses to watch how someone talks, acts with others, and plays with toys.
Who Can Take the ADOS®-2
Children as young as 12 months and adults can take the ADOS®-2. There are different parts of the test for different ages and how well someone talks.
What Happens During the Test
The ADOS®-2 is just one part of a bigger check-up. Our doctors speak with the child and their family, look at their history, and do other tests. For younger kids, parents might stay in the room and just watch. For older kids and adults, it's usually just them and the tester.
Getting the Results
After the test, families speak with the doctor about the results and receive a report with suggestions. Remember, the ADOS®-2 is just one piece of the puzzle. Doctors also look at other factors before making a diagnoses.
Our Experts
Nicole Clark is the Co-Founder and CEO of Adult and Pediatric Institute for Health and Wellness. She is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Registered Nurse and has over 18 years of experience in trauma and psychiatric medicine. She started her career in the Navy as a Navy Corpsman which is where she fell in love for caring for people and helping them achieve their best sense of self.
Although she is a successful healthcare entrepreneur, her most valued role is wife and mother. Nicole has two special needs daughters, so she knows firsthand how difficult it can be to find quality help for your children. She is committed to ensuring that no other families have to go through the struggles she went through to get the best possible care for their child.”
Mariel Paralitici-Morales MD, aka Dr. P, is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Co-Founder of the Adult and Pediatric Institute for Health and Wellness. Dr. P is a soccer mom to two energetic teenagers and has a loving husband who is also a physician.
Dr. P trained at Columbia University where she completed education in both Child/Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry. With over 13 years of experience, Dr. P is an expert in her field and specializes in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, Autism, and other conditions. Dr. P is a compassionate and caring psychiatrist who believes in individualized care and a collaborative approach. She takes the time build a relationship with her clients so she can find the proper diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan.
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