Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)
Overview
The ADOS-2 is an observational assessment used to aid in the assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders across ages, developmental levels, and language skills. The second edition includes revised algorithms, a new comparison score for Modules 1-3, updated protocols with clearer administration and coding guidelines, and a new toddler module. This training is appropriate for clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, social workers, behavior analysts, and other clinicians/researchers working in ASD assessment.
Prior to attending training, you will need to have access to an ADOS-2 manual and kit. ADOS-2 kits, manuals and protocols are available through Western Psychological Services or by phone at 1-800-648-8857. Educational discounts on ADOS-2 materials are available for research use and use in training. Authors of the ADOS-2, receives royalties when people purchase these materials.
Modules 1-4
This is a 2-day Clinical Training on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 introductory/clinical training workshop will use a lecture format and video demonstrations to introduce the basic principles of administering and scoring ADOS-2 modules 1 through 4 and provide an essential step toward competence in using the ADOS-2 as a part clinical assessment and/or for research purposes. Learners will complete the course with a fundamental understanding of modules 1-4, in addition to experience observing and scoring two assessments with the support of a certified trainer.
This training is necessary for anyone planning to use the ADOS-2 in clinical or school settings and serves as a pre-requisite for more thorough training required to obtain research reliability in order to use the ADOS-2 for research purposes. The goals of this workshop are to provide a detailed overview of the ADOS-2, its development, its psychometric properties, and appropriate use and interpretation.
Toddler Module
This is a 1-day introductory workshop specific to the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd Ed. (ADOS-2) Toddler Module. The ADOS-2 toddler module may be used on children between the ages of 12 and 30 months of age. This workshop will use a lecture format and video demonstrations to introduce the basic principles of administering and scoring the ADOS-2 toddler module and provide an essential step toward competence in using the ADOS-2 as a part clinical assessment and/or for research purposes. Learners will complete the course with a fundamental understanding of the toddler module, in addition to experience observing and scoring an assessment with the support of a certified trainer.
This workshop is designed for educators, clinicians, and researchers with prior background in autism spectrum disorder and formal testing, such as speech-language pathologists, physicians, psychologists, special education ASD specialists, and occupational therapists.
All trainees are expected to have completed formal training on modules 1-4 of the ADOS / ADOS-2, either through the 2-day in-person ADOS-2 Introductory Training or the ADOS-2 DVD Training Package available from WPS.
ADOS-2 Introductory Clinical and Research Training Offerings
ADOS-2 Introductory Clinical Training (Modules 1- 4 and Toddler Module)
University of Kansas, Life Span Institute
May 14 - 16, 2025, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM CT
Lead Trainers: Kourtney Nigh, Ph.D. & Stephen Kanne, Ph.D.
Location: KU Clinical Research Center 4350 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205 (1st floor- Fairway Auditorium)
Cost: $600 (KU employees email gain@ku.edu to register); Optional Costs: $300 for Toddler Module
Required Materials:
- We recommend having access to an ADOS-2 manual.
- ADOS-2 manuals and protocols are available through Western Psychological Services as linked above.
Prerequisite:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher and relevant work experience and current occupational role.
- Trainees will be notified if it is determined that these prerequisites are not met.
- This training assumes experience with child assessment and differentiating autism from other diagnoses. If you want more training in this area before taking the ADOS-2 training, we recommend the Introduction to ASD workshop and the Differential Diagnosis workshop offered through the Global Autism Interactive Network (GAIN)
ADOS-2 Introductory Clinical Training (Modules 1- 4 and Toddler Module)
Autism Assessment KC
July 9, 10, and 11, 2025, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM CT
Lead Trainers: Kourtney Nigh, Ph.D. and Stephen Kanne, Ph.D.
Cost: $600; Optional Costs: $300 for Toddler Module
Location: Online (Zoom link will be sent via email)
Required Materials:
- You will need access to one copy of the ADOS-2 protocol for each module. We also recommend having access to an ADOS-2 manual.
- ADOS-2 manuals and protocols are available through Western Psychological Services as linked above.
Prerequisite:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher and relevant work experience and current occupational role.
- Trainees will be notified if it is determined that these prerequisites are not met.
- This training assumes experience with child assessment and differentiating autism from other diagnoses. If you want more training in this area before taking the ADOS-2 training, we recommend the Introduction to ASD workshop and the Differential Diagnosis workshop offered through the Global Autism Interactive Network (GAIN)
ADOS-2 Advanced Research Training (IN PERSON)
This is a 3-day ADOS-2 Research Training for specialists in ASD interested in establishing research reliability. This training course offers detailed, advanced training for people who plan to use the ADOS-2 for research purposes. This training is necessary for use of the ADOS-2 in research. The goals of this workshop are to provide hands-on experience in administering the ADOS-2, detailed instruction and practice with coding, and information on appropriate use and interpretation in research. With guidance from an experienced ADOS-2 trainer, trainees will administer parts of the ADOS- 2 to child and adult volunteers with ASD. Detailed discussions on scoring of the ADOS-2 follow each practice administration. Trainees will be provided with videos of other ADOS-2 administrations to watch after the training and will be given instructions on next steps for achieving research reliability
ADOS-2 Advanced Research Training
University of Kansas – Life Span Institute
Lead Trainer: Kourtney Nigh, Ph.D.
For more information, direct requests to GAIN@KU.edu