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A Comparative Analysis of the ADOS-G and ADOS-2 Algorithms: Preliminary Findings

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Abstract

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a widely utilized observational assessment tool for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. The original ADOS was succeeded by the ADOS-G with noted improvements. More recently, the ADOS-2 was introduced to further increase its diagnostic accuracy. Studies examining the validity of the ADOS have produced mixed findings, and pooled relationship trends between the algorithm versions are yet to be analyzed. The current review seeks to compare the relative merits of the ADOS-G and ADOS-2 algorithms, Modules 1–3. Eight studies met inclusion criteria for the review, and six were selected for paired comparisons of the sensitivity and specificity of the ADOS. Results indicate several contradictory findings, underscoring the importance of further study.

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Acknowledgments

This work was partially supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (UL1TR001449).

Author Contributions

TPD conceived of the study, participated in its design and coordination, performed the measurement, participated in statistical analysis and interpretation of data, and drafted/edited the manuscript. OBM performed the statistical analysis, interpreted the data, and helped to draft/edit the manuscript. PWK participated in its design and coordination, and helped to draft/edit the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1025 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI, 53706, USA

    Taylor P. Dorlack

  2. School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico Building 177, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA

    Orrin B. Myers

  3. Department of Pediatrics, Center for Development and Disability, University of New Mexico, 2300 Menaul Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87107, USA

    Piyadasa W. Kodituwakku

Authors
  1. Taylor P. Dorlack
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  2. Orrin B. Myers
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  3. Piyadasa W. Kodituwakku
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Correspondence to Taylor P. Dorlack.

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Dorlack, T.P., Myers, O.B. & Kodituwakku, P.W. A Comparative Analysis of the ADOS-G and ADOS-2 Algorithms: Preliminary Findings. J Autism Dev Disord 48, 2078–2089 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3475-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3475-3

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