Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

A standardized diagnostic protocol for autism that uses structured and semi-structured social interaction tasks between an examiner and the person being assessed. First published in 1989 and designed based on a sample of children aged 6-18, it was followed by a second edition (ADOS-2) in 2012 intended for individuals from 12 months through adulthood. The ADOS has been criticized in autism research for its origins in child-focused assessment, its design primarily for the male gender, and its limited applicability to the diverse experiences of autistic adults, particularly women, non-binary individuals, and people from non-Western cultures.