What is the ADOS-2?
The ADOS-2 is a play-based autism evaluation. A psychologist spends time with your child doing simple activities and writes down what they notice. We want you to feel ready before the day arrives.
Two domains, one clear picture
What does the ADOS-2 measure?
The ADOS-2 looks at two main areas. Together, they help us understand how your child connects with others and moves through the world.
How your child talks, plays, and connects with the people around them.
- Eye contact and gaze
- Pointing and gesturing
- Sharing interest with others
- Turn-taking in play and conversation
- Use of language and facial expressions
Things your child does repeatedly, and how they respond to what they see, hear, or feel.
- Repeated body movements
- Very strong or narrow interests
- Reactions to sounds, textures, or lights
We also look at the full session together to make sure we have a complete picture of how your child is doing.
What to Expect
What will my child do?
Our psychologist spends time with your child doing simple activities and writes down what they see. There are no right or wrong answers and nothing to practice. Your child cannot fail.
For little ones, it looks just like playtime. We might blow bubbles, play with toys, or set up a pretend snack. Everything is matched to your child's age and how much they talk.
Older kids spend more time talking, like telling a story from a picture book or chatting about friends. We keep it relaxed and natural.
If your child is young, you will usually be right there with them. Snack breaks and movement breaks are totally normal. A favorite toy or comfort item from home can help a lot.
Session length: Most sessions are 40 to 60 minutes. The ADOS-2 is just one part of the evaluation, and what you share as a parent matters just as much.
What the Psychologist Observes
What is the psychologist looking for?
We are not grading your child. We are simply watching how they naturally communicate and connect, and using what we see to build a clear picture.
| Area | What We Watch For |
|---|---|
| Eye Contact and Gaze | How your child uses eye contact to communicate interest, share a moment, or engage in back-and-forth interaction. |
| Pointing and Gesturing | Whether your child points to show you something interesting or uses other gestures to communicate without words. |
| Sharing Interest | Moments when your child brings you into something they enjoy, such as showing a toy or reacting to something together. |
| Turn-Taking | The ability to take turns in play or conversation, following the natural rhythm of a social exchange. |
| Repeated Movements | The presence and frequency of repetitive body movements, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning. |
| Focused Interests | Whether your child shows very strong or narrow interests that stand out compared to same-age peers. |
| Sensory Reactions | How your child responds to sounds, textures, or lights, including over- or under-sensitivity to sensory input. |
How your child uses eye contact to communicate interest, share a moment, or engage in back-and-forth interaction.
Whether your child points to show you something interesting or uses other gestures to communicate without words.
Moments when your child brings you into something they enjoy, such as showing a toy or reacting to something together.
The ability to take turns in play or conversation, following the natural rhythm of a social exchange.
The presence and frequency of repetitive body movements, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning.
Whether your child shows very strong or narrow interests that stand out compared to same-age peers.
How your child responds to sounds, textures, or lights, including over- or under-sensitivity to sensory input.
Common Parent Questions
What do parents worry about most?
We hear these questions all the time, and they are completely understandable. Here are our honest answers.
We hear this one all the time. Kids are often shy, tired, or a little off in a new place, and that is completely okay. We are trained to notice it and account for it. Just let us know if your child had a rough morning.
No. We combine what we see during the session with everything you tell us about your child at home. You know your child best, and what you share carries real weight.
The evaluation is still worth it. Our report describes what your child is great at and where they could use support, and we will point you toward whatever help makes the most sense.
Make sure your child is rested, bring a favorite snack, and grab a comfort item from home. Write your questions down ahead of time too. It is easy to forget them in the moment.
Your input matters: This is a team effort. Everything you share about your child at home is part of how we build a full picture together.
Schedule NowFrequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about the ADOS-2?
How long does an ADOS-2 assessment take?
Most sessions are about 40 to 60 minutes. We build in snack and movement breaks, so your child does not need to sit still the whole time.
Will I be in the room during the assessment?
For young children, yes, you will usually be right there. For older kids, we may do part of it one-on-one. We will talk through the setup with you before we start.
Can my child fail the ADOS-2?
No. There is nothing to prepare and nothing to pass. We are just watching how your child naturally acts, not grading them.
Does the ADOS-2 alone determine whether my child has autism?
No. It is one piece of a bigger picture. We combine what we see during the session with what you tell us about how your child grows, plays, and lives at home.
What should I tell the psychologist before the session starts?
Tell us if your child had a rough night, is feeling off, or gets anxious in new places. The more we know going in, the better we can read what we see.
Key Takeaways
What should I know about the ADOS-2?
For little ones it looks like play. For older kids it feels like a conversation. Your child cannot fail, and there is nothing to prepare.
We watch how your child naturally communicates and connects. We are not scoring performance, we are just seeing who they are.
We combine what we see with everything you tell us about your child. What you share as a parent matters deeply and is used to build our report.
Whatever we find, we leave with a clear report of your child's strengths and where they need support, and we point you toward what can actually help.
Schedule an Evaluation
Have questions about scheduling an evaluation?
Our intake team is here to answer your questions and walk you through every step. We make it easy to get started.
- No waitlist for evaluations
- Results reviewed with you same day
- Direct transition into ABA therapy
- Insurance verification included