Autism Testing Services
Sweetwater now offers the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition (ADOS-2), which was developed by Dr. Catherine Lord to evaluate communication, social engagement, and imaginative play, as well as other symptoms and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The ADOS-2 has been standardized so that it provides consistent clinical information across different clinicians, locations, and situations.
The ADOS-2 is currently the best validated instrument for the assessment of possible ASD. In combination with a clinical interview, and review of medical and developmental history, it can assist with establishing a diagnosis of ASD.
Lauren Andrews, MD is a board-certified general and child and adolescent psychiatrist who is certified in administering the ADOS.
Who can get tested
Dr. Andrews assesses ambulatory children from 12 months to late adolescence with the ADOS-2 using different modules based on language abilities. All assessments of children and adolescents must be conducted in person at our office in Ambridge, PA.
Dr. Andrews assesses adults using the ADOS module 4. These evaluations can be conducted in person or virtually through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.
Please note that the ADOS-2 is not designed to evaluate individuals with significant sensory or motor impairments (e.g. blindness, deafness, use of a wheelchair)
What is involved in the ADOS-2?
The ADOS-2 is used as just one part of a comprehensive evaluation. Other components include an interview with the person being evaluated for ASD, as well as an interview with a parent or significant other to gather information about the person’s birth, medical and developmental history, as well as current symptoms and concerns. We may also request standardized measures be completed by parents, teachers, and other key informants. Depending on patient preference and the provider’s judgement, a comprehensive evaluation may be completed in a single appointment. In other situations, the evaluation may be completed over the course of two appointments.
In terms of what to expect with the ADOS-2, the assessment takes between 45-60 minutes to be administered. Patients who are seeking evaluation should not have a longstanding relationship with Dr. Andrews as observations could be influenced by prior interactions. When toddlers or children are being assessed, the parent will be asked to be present in the room for the entire administration. A parent’s primary role is to simply observe, although the clinician may ask the parent to interact with the child in specific ways at certain points during the ADOS-2. For adolescents and adults with appropriate language capabilities, the ADOS-2 is typically administered with only the patient and clinician in the room.
In the majority of cases, a separate follow-up appointment will be scheduled approximately 1-2 weeks after the evaluation is concluded to review the results. This is done to ensure that data can be reviewed, write-ups completed, and appropriate resources compiled.
Fees
Our autism assessment services are not in network with any insurance company. Payment in full is required at the time of service. The cost for an ADOS-2 is $2,000.00 and includes initial clinical interview to discuss symptoms, medical history, and developmental history, administering the ADOS-2, reviewing and synthesizing data, and writing a report.
If you choose to do so, we can provide you with the documentation to submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. We cannot guarantee any reimbursement and do not submit claims to insurance companies for ADOS testing.