Now offering evaluations for Ohio families! Learn about the evaluation process, what to expect, and how to get started.
A Brief Overview
The autism diagnostic process at New Story Schools and The Learning Spectrum involves a comprehensive evaluation which includes use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 is a standardized, activity-based assessment administered by trained clinicians to evaluate communication skills, social interaction, play, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors typically observed in individuals who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Among practitioners, the ADOS-2 is currently considered the “gold standard” in the assessment of ASD. At New Story Schools Ohio, the ADOS-2 is conducted by a certified team of evaluators including a clinical psychologist and speech-language pathologist.
What to Expect During an Evaluation
The assessment takes between 40-60 minutes to be administered. Students will be scheduled with an evaluator with whom they have little to no familiarity to obtain a sample of the student’s behavior that is not influenced by previous interactions. When toddlers or children are being assessed, the parent may be asked to be present in the room for the entire administration. A parent’s primary role is to simply observe, although the evaluator may ask the parent to interact with the student in specific ways at certain points during the ADOS-2. For adolescents, the ADOS-2 is typically administered with only the student and evaluator in the room.
Most modules require the student and evaluator to move about the room while they interact with the materials and toys included in the assessment kit. The evaluator will observe how the student plays with the provided items and engages in conversation during play. For older students with higher verbal skills, the evaluator will provide age-appropriate activities and use more of an interview format.
The assessment results are reviewed with families shortly after the comprehensive evaluation is finished. In some cases, this is during the same appointment as the assessment. In other cases, a separate follow-up appointment may be scheduled to go over the results and discuss recommendations. In addition to spending time with an evaluator to review the results of the evaluation and address any questions, families will also be provided with a written report with detailed recommendations.
How to Get Started
Contact us by emailing adosohio@newstoryschools.com or by completing the Contact Us form. Someone will respond to your request within 48 hours and will provide you with additional information on the evaluation process, including pricing. From there, you will be sent a link to complete our intake paperwork, and we will then schedule the evaluation.
Location Currently Accepting Clients
6660 Doubletree Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43229
