Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R)

Purpose: To assess individuals suspected of having autism
Age: 2+ years of age
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

The Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R) is a comprehensive interview that provides a thorough assessment of individuals suspected of having autism or other autism spectrum disorders. The ADI-R has proven highly useful for formal diagnosis as well as treatment and educational planning.

To administer the ADI-R, an experienced clinical interviewer questions a parent or caretaker who is familiar with the developmental history and current behaviour of the individual being evaluated. The interview can be used to assess both children and adults, as long as their mental age is above 2 years.

Composed of 93 items, the ADI-R focuses on three functional domains:

1. Language/Communication
2. Reciprocal Social Interactions
3. Restricted, Repetitive, and Stereotyped Behaviours and Interests

Results are scored and interpreted using a single convenient form. The ADI-R Comprehensive Algorithm Form allows you to calculate and interpret any one of five age-specific ADI-R algorithms (two Diagnostic Algorithms based on developmental history and used for formal diagnosis, and three Current Behaviour Algorithms focusing on present functioning and used for treatment and educational planning).

Because the ADI-R is an interview rather than a test, and because it focuses on behaviours that are rare in unaffected individuals, it provides categorical results rather than scales or norms. Results can be used to support a diagnosis of autism or to determine the clinical needs of various groups in which a high rate of autism spectrum disorders might be expected (e.g., individuals with severe language impairments or certain medical conditions, children with congenital blindness, and youngsters suffering from institutional deprivation).

It is strongly recommended that you obtain training before administering the ADI-R. The ADI-R DVD Training Package gives you the opportunity to learn administration procedures and practice accurate coding. Registered psychologists exempt, all users must complete the ADI-R Training.