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ADOS Assessments
Squish Kids offers ADOS-2 Assessments (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) for children.
The ADOS-2 is an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and is currently considered internationally to be the ‘gold-standard’ in the assessment of ASD.
The
Why use the ADOS?
The assessment results form part of the information that a Paediatrician uses to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder. Clinicians cannot diagnose autism using ADOS alone.
At Squish Kids, our ADOS-2 assessments for children are completed by an OT and Speech Pathologist, always together offering the experience and perspective of two professions.
The ADOS assessment looks at your child’s:
– communication skills
– play skills
– social skills
– repetitive behaviours
– restricted behaviours
Our Process
Choosing to begin an assessment can feel like a big step for parents. To help you understand exactly what to expect, we’ve broken our process into four clear stages:
1. Information Gathering
We begin by collecting background information about your child—including developmental, medical, behavioural, and family history—so our clinicians can understand their unique profile before meeting them.
2. Parent / Carer Interview (1 hour)
One clinician meets with you to discuss your child’s strengths, challenges, and daily functioning. This conversation provides important context, and many parents say this is the first time they feel their concerns are really heard.
3. Child Assessment (1 hour)
Both clinicians work together in a structured play-based session while you remain present. The assessment looks and feels much like informal play. Activities may include:
- creating a story with objects
- pretend play with toys
- puzzles or problem-solving tasks
- looking at and talking about pictures
- simple conversation
The session is carefully structured to observe communication, social interaction, and behavioural patterns.
4. Results & Report Writing
Both clinicians review the information from all stages and complete a detailed written report. This can be shared with your Paediatrician or other professionals involved in your child’s care.
The ADOS-2 is standardised, highly structured, and only conducted by clinicians who undergo specific training to administer and score it accurately.
Costing and Funding
Costing & Funding Options
Our ADOS-2 assessment is completed across four stages, and each stage is billed at $500, bringing the total cost to $2,000.
This fee includes:
- initial information gathering
- parent/carer interview
- face-to-face assessment with two clinicians present
- scoring, interpretation, and a comprehensive written report
We accept NDIS funding (self-managed and plan-managed) for this assessment. If you need help understanding how this fits within your child’s plan, our team is happy to guide you.
Q and A
“Will my child feel uncomfortable or tested?”
Most children experience the ADOS-2 as a play-based session. Our clinicians follow your child’s lead, offering gentle support and reassurance throughout.
“What if my child has a shy day or doesn’t want to participate?”
This is very common. The ADOS-2 is designed to accommodate different temperaments, and our clinicians are skilled at engaging children in a way that feels safe and natural.
“How will this help us?”
Families tell us the assessment helps them:
- better understand their child’s strengths and challenges
- receive clarity around support needs
- access early intervention funding or services (if applicable)
- explain their child’s behaviour to schools, family members, or health providers
“Do I need a referral?”
No referral is required to obtain the assessment.
“How long will it take to receive the report?”
We allow 2 weeks for the report to be completed / reviewed and submitted.