Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R)
by Michael Rutter, MD, FRS, Ann Le Couteur, MBBS, and Catherine Lord, PhD
Used in research for decades, this comprehensive interview provides a thorough assessment of individuals suspected of having autism or other autism spectrum disorders. The ADI-R has proven highly useful for formal diagnosis as well as treatment and educational planning.
To administer the ADI-R, an experienced clinical interviewer questions a parent or caretaker who is familiar with the developmental history and current behavior of the individual being evaluated. The interview can be used to assess both children and adults, as long as their mental age is above 2 years, 0 months.
Evaluate 3 functional domains
Composed of 93 items, the ADI-R focuses on three functional domains:
- Language/Communication
- Reciprocal Social Interactions
- Restricted, Repetitive, and Stereotyped Behaviors and Interests
Following highly standardized procedures, the interviewer records and codes the informant's responses. Interview questions cover eight content areas:
- The subject's background, including family, education, previous diagnoses, and medications
- Overview of the subject's behavior
- Early development and developmental milestones
- Language acquisition and loss of language or other skills
- Current functioning in regard to language and communication
- Social development and play
- Interests and behaviors
- Clinically relevant behaviors, such as aggression, self-injury, and possible epileptic features
Use one convenient form to score any ADI-R algorithm
Typically, administration and scoring require from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Results can now be scored and interpreted using a single convenient form rather than the five forms previously required. The Comprehensive Algorithm Form (W-382E) allows you to calculate and interpret any one of five, age-specific ADI-R algorithms (two Diagnostic Algorithms based on developmental history and used for formal diagnosis, and three Current Behavior Algorithms focusing on present functioning and used for treatment and educational planning). The algorithms themselves have not changed; the new form simply replaces the five forms previously needed to calculate all algorithms.
Support diagnosis or determine clinical needs
Because the ADI-R is an interview rather than a test, and because it focuses on behaviors that are rare in nonaffected individuals, it provides categorical results rather than scales or norms. Results can be used to support a diagnosis of autism or to determine the clinical needs of various groups in which a high rate of autism spectrum disorders might be expected (e.g., individuals with severe language impairments or certain medical conditions, children with congenital blindness, and youngsters suffering from institutional deprivation). The ADI-R has proven very effective in differentiating autism from other developmental disorders and in assessing syndrome boundaries, identifying new subgroups, and quantifying autistic symptomatology. Extensive use of the ADI-R in the international research community has provided strong evidence of the reliability and validity of its categorical results.
Master the ADI-R with DVD training
It is strongly recommended that you obtain training before administering the ADI-R. The ADI-R DVD Training Package offered by WPS gives you the opportunity to learn administration procedures and practice accurate coding. (See WPS Product No. W-382DVT in the U.S. and Canada; W-382DVP elsewhere.)
The ADI-R DVD Training Package consists of eight DVDs (with a total running time of 16 hours), an accompanying Guidebook, nine Interview Booklets, and three Comprehensive Algorithm Forms. The DVDs allow you to observe expert interviewers as they administer the ADI-R to parents. The Guidebook discusses each case featured on the DVDs, clarifying coding and scoring decisions. (NOTE: Study of the DVDs and Guidebook is required. While the DVDs may be viewed by multiple professionals, each trainee must individually review the Guidebook and complete the Interview Booklets and Algorithm Forms.)
When you have finished the DVD Training Package, you can receive 18 continuing education credits by purchasing and successfully completing the ADI-R Continuing Education (CE) Questionnaire and Evaluation Form (W-382CE).
If you plan to use the ADI-R in formal research, you may require additional training provided by the test authors and their colleagues. Contact WPS Customer Service for information about training for research applications.
Score All ADI-R Algorithms With an Unlimited-Use CD
The ADI-R unlimited-use CD allows you to score all ADI-R algorithms. Use the standard paper-and-pencil administration (W-382A) and enter responses into the program for rapid results.
