Autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) assessment

The Autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) is a conversation based assessment that may involve a range of activities that we use this to assess for autism.

It takes between 45 to 60 minutes, and will explore your:

• communication skills
• social skills
• strengths
• challenges

There is no right or wrong answer, we just want to learn more about you.

Usually there will be two adults from our team. One will lead the conversation and one will support by taking notes.

For older young people it can be helpful if you can attend the session by yourself.

However, we know that this could be difficult and we would never ask you to do something that makes you uncomfortable.

So if you would prefer a parent to be present, please let us know.

This information will be fed back to your after your neurodevelopment assessment is complete and will be included in your final report, which you will get a copy of.

Page last reviewed: March 31, 2026
Next review due: March 31, 2027