When does an adult get the chance to spend a ton of money on kid’s toys? I’ll tell you when…
When they open a private practice and are prepared for ADOS testing on their first day on July 11!
Let me start by first explaining what the ADOS actually is. The formal description is as follows:
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a semi-structured assessment of communication, social interaction, and play (or imaginative use of materials) for individuals suspected of having autism or other pervasive developmental disorders.
In a nutshell, the ADOS is a series of structured play and conversation opportunities that aid in determining whether someone meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Now the diagnostic process has many more components to it (e.g., a caregiver interview, review of educational records), but getting down on the floor with kids and interacting with them face to face is one of my favorite aspects of my job. To accurately and comprehensively diagnosis Autism, researchers standardized the “play” components so that each person receives relatively similar social opportunities. This test arrives in the form of paperwork protocols and a giant box-o-toys. My new office mates at the practice on East Avenue were shocked when a huge, heavy cardboard box arrived in the waiting room one morning. The box was big enough to hold a love seat, specifically this one. I had a great time unpacking and organizing the contents. For those of you who know how much I love organizing and sorting things, this was its own reward...
These are the materials for the ADOS for older children, adolescents, and adults.
These are the materials for the ADOS for toddlers and young children.
I have been administering the ADOS for many years and received great clinical training on how to interpret the results of this assessment as part of my graduate and post-doctoral training. Today marks an important day for me because now I get my very own set of toys that I get to share with my patients and their families at both of my office locations.
One added bonus is the shipping box:
It was so huge I brought it home to make a play house – talk about a great investment.
A new home for favorite toys. Note the Dinotrux "bad guys" figures stored in the back of a garbage truck.