ADOS testing

[Ktllc]

Well, after a BIG mess since the neuro-psychological has been canceled. Lots of phone calls later, I finally found out that the original doctor that was supposed to do the testing is back to work on a limited basis and will not see new patients. GRRRRR
After faxing ALL of V.'s file to the Devel. and Behav. pediatrician. who recommended more testing, he got back to me with the following:
- no need to persue testing for Learning Disability (LD) since the school evaluation did not uncover anything significant (see "first school evaluation's results" in the Special Education forum).
- referred to ADOS testing. This is supposed to be the gold standart of autism testing. I have googled it and found some info on it.

Does anyone have any experience with that test? How long of a test is it? How fast do we get the results?

I have called to make an appointment and left a message.
Hopefully, they'll call back tomorrow.

On a positive note, I'm glad the devel. doctor actually listened and read the different reports (therapist and school). Relieved he did not get "stuck" on ODD diagnosis.

 

[BusynMember]

My son had the test, along with other tests for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Our neuropsychologist did not rely on one test for diagnosis. The ADOS was all part of his neuropsychologist evaluation, which took from 8am-3pm. I believe we filled out the questionnaire and then so did he, but not sure...we had to fill out so many things that I can't remember which ones we did...lol.

 

[InsaneCdn]

Our latest round of testing included specifically ruling out Asperger's.
Three tests were used by our PhD Psychologist...
ASDS (Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale)
ADI-R
ADOS - Module 4 (there are multiple modules depending on age and abilities of the child being tested... this one was for verbally fluent adolescents)

Our testing was also part of a larger cross-section of testing... done over several 1-2 hour appointments.
So, I don't know how much time this test took in particular, or how difficult it is to score.

It would be unusual, though, to rely on a single test.

 

[TeDo]

Ours was done at the school by an Autism Specialist. Since he was pulled out of class(es) for the testing, I have no idea how it was conducted or how long it took. Sorry. As for the results, they were presented at a scheduled IEP meeting (one of 6 in 3 months) so I can't even tell you that. Hopefully it won't be too bad. You might want to ask your school district to have them bring someone in to do it. Can't hurt to put in the request to the Early Intervention contact person there.

 

[Ktllc]

I've talked to the office that will do the testing. It happens in 3 steps:
1. Initial visit with V., myself and husband
2. The actual testing which can be between 2 and 4 hours depending in the kid.
3. A visit to read the results.

I've also asked if the results were pretty reliable or if, maybe, more testing would be required.
She said that unless there are some extreme difficulties with V (refuse to cooperate, deafness or other...), the results should be definite. It will tell us if he is autistic and, if so, where on the spectrum.

Knowing my little V, I know he will be glad to "play" with the doctor. I've also faxed the school report as well as the file from his therapist.
We should be able to get an appointment by the end of this month or early October.

Now husband and myself are yet again debating where to put him for preschool. The faith based center where he has spent the summer (super caring, but lots of staff rotation, several classes in one big shared room = lots of noise, transitions, distraction for V, and no help if he is found Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)) OR Head start (did NOT listen to my concerns last year, but V says he would rather go there, same class and teacher everyday, disability coordinator and school intervention if necessary).
We are going to the open house today, meet with the teacher V would have should he go to Head Start this year.
It is such a dilemma!!!

 

[TeDo]

I would highly recommend the Head Start program. They have interventionists and are usually so closely tied to the local public school (at least here they are) that it will be easier to get services in place for him that can carry over to kindergarten. If you have reports from professionals to back you up, there is little they teacher can say. She is just one teacher, might have been having a bad day, didn't see herself what you were talking about, etc. The benefits far outweigh the impression that one teacher left. JMHO

 

[InsaneCdn]

2-4 hours of testing will likely be more than just ADOS - which is good.

I'll ditto on the HeadStart program - for all the reasons you listed, the other program will not be a fit... if he doesn't end up officially on the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) spectrum somewhere, he'll probably end up with an ADHD diagnosis or something like that... and trust me, ADHD kids don't do any better with that scenario than Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) kids do.

 

[Ktllc]

We went to the open house yesterday and we talked to the teacher and TA. We did explain that nobody heard us last year, that he is in therapy with more testing to come (hopefully soon). They seemed to really listen and the TA actually was quite knowledgeable (she knew how Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) can mimic the asperger's symptoms).
Although we are not crazy about the school, husband and I feel it is in fact the best option.
They also said that even if the school district did not find V eligible for services, they will start their own process and might put in place services within HS.
I mentioned how helpful it is to have a "retreat" at home. A place where he can go when he feels overwelmed so he can calm down and find a happy place again. They seemed willing to have one at school as well.
I really tried to explained that "small changes" do make an ENORMOUS difference for V. That once the learning period is over, it really is not that hard or time consuming to do. They just need to really try to think the way he does and have slightly different expectations.
I can't help being worried though.... it breaks my heart when V. tells me he "feels bad all the time", although he recognizes that he can feel good when he spend time with family (parents, grandparents, uncle mainly).