What were your ADOS scores?
I've seen lots of threads for AQ, EQ and other measures.
I'm curious about variation in ADOS scores, if you have them what were yours?
Mine were much higher than I expected - I'm pretty mild so I expected to hover just above threshold. Were you anticipating your score? Surprised by it?
I did Module 4.
_________________
Diagnosed with:
Moderate Hearing Loss in 2002.
Autism Spectrum Disorder in August 2015.
ADHD diagnosed in July 2016
Also "probable" dyspraxia/DCD and dyslexia.
Plus a smattering of mental health problems that have now been mostly resolved.
I was given Module 4 of the ADOS-2 as part of my evaluation. I don't think it's the kind of thing you could take online, it was interactive with the examiner. The notes in the evaluation say "Mr. 441 had difficultly[sic] in the story-telling tasks of the ADOS-2 which demanded imagination and story-making; he tended to give concrete responses (e.g., describe details of a picture) with little to no inference making. A number of times during clinical interviewing, Mr. 441 misunderstood this clinician’s questions, largely because the question was open-ended and somewhat abstract. "
Communication: 2 (Autism cutoff: 3; Autism spectrum cutoff: 2)
Reciprocal Social Interaction: 6 (Autism cutoff: 6; Autism spectrum cutoff: 4)
Total: 9 (Autism cutoff: 10; Autism Spectrum cutoff: 7)
Classification: Autism spectrum
I really have no idea how they added 2+6 and got 9. Maybe it's weighted or something.
I didn't really have any expectations for this. I guess what I really want is for some NT people I know to take the test so I can see what the frogs were up to that I apparently was unable to figure out.
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RAADS-R: 176.0
ADOS-2 Module 4: 9 (Autism Spectrum)
EQ: 7
AQ: 35
Diagnosed with ASD Level 1 15 Jan 2016
Last edited by black0441 on 16 Jan 2016, 7:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule isn't an online test, it's a tool used by professionals and researchers when diagnosing. Otherwise I would have linked.
_________________
Diagnosed with:
Moderate Hearing Loss in 2002.
Autism Spectrum Disorder in August 2015.
ADHD diagnosed in July 2016
Also "probable" dyspraxia/DCD and dyslexia.
Plus a smattering of mental health problems that have now been mostly resolved.
My ADOS-2 module 4 (adult) scores were reported as:
--Social Affect (SA) (Communication and Reciprocal Social Interaction) = 9
--Restricted and Repetitive Behavior (RRB) = 2
--SA + RRB Total = 11 (Autism cut-off = 8; Autism Spectrum cut-off = 10)
My self-reported SRS-2 Subscale scores were reported as:
--Social Awareness = 58 (Within Normal Limits)
--Social Cognition = 60 (Moderate Range)
--Social Communication = 75 (Moderate Range)
--Social Motivation = 81 (Severe Range)
--Restrictive /Repetitive Behaviors ≥90 (Severe Range)
--SRS Total Score = 78 (Severe Range)
The verbal description of my diagnosis was that I "have mild autism with very, very high intelligence" according to one of my two diagnosticians. My overall score for the ADOS-2 module 4 (adult) tests was 11. The other of my diagnosticians and I laughed that my SRS Subscale scores showed a increase of severity as my interaction with others continues (we prefered to believe that I have little tolerance for interaction as time passes; hehe).
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Diagnosed in 2015 with ASD Level 1 by the University of Utah Health Care Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic using the ADOS-2 Module 4 assessment instrument [11/30] -- Screened in 2014 with ASD by using the University of Cambridge Autism Research Centre AQ (Adult) [43/50]; EQ-60 for adults [11/80]; FQ [43/135]; SQ (Adult) [130/150] self-reported screening inventories -- Assessed since 1978 with an estimated IQ [≈145] by several clinicians -- Contact on WrongPlanet.net by private message (PM)
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule isn't an online test, it's a tool used by professionals and researchers when diagnosing. Otherwise I would have linked.
I see... of course.
SRS-2 Subscale scores were:
Social Awareness = 58 (Normal Range)
Social Cognition = 74 (Moderate Range)
Social Communication = 71 (Moderate Range)
Social Motivation = 79 (Severe Range)
Restrictive/Repetitive Behaviors = 68 (Moderate Range)
Total Score = 73 (Moderate Range)
I was surprised at how high it was. I had it expected to be diagnosed ASD, but maybe on the mild end, since I have a job and a spouse, and I've spent a lot of time practicing facial expressions in the mirror, body language, voice, social scripts, and eye contact. This was mostly because people all called me weird, and I was desperately trying to figure out how to act the way other people do. I wound up being 3 points below Severe, so I guess I don't mask it as well as I think I do.
She noted that I stop having facial expressions when I'm working on a task (since I mostly only move my face when I remember to do so), that I don't reciprocate much in conversation (didn't know that), and apparently I stim a lot more than I realize.
_________________
Diagnosed Bipolar II in 2012, Autism spectrum disorder (moderate) & ADHD in 2015.
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My communication total was 5, RSI total was 8, total score, 13, 3 points above the cutoff. I apparently demonstrated "abnormalities in... speech, particularly regarding having only small variation in pitch and tone", "frequently use[d] odd words or phrases," and was " able to demonstrate some degree of understanding of others' emotions, though [my] assessment was not always accurate."
_________________
"Survival is insufficient" - Seven of Nine
Diagnosed with ASD level 1 on the 10th of April, 2014
Rediagnosed with ASD level 2 on the 4th of May, 2019
Thanks to Olympiadis for my fantastic avatar!
When I took the ADOS-2, the report they gave me didn't actually list a number.
It must have been a low score though. Here was the written description of my results:
Michelle shows many areas of strength and only very minor callenges in her social communication and social interaction during the ADOS-2. With regard to social communication, Michelle cummincated with well-developed vocabulary and language skills, reflecting her above average verbal abilities. She did not use any unusual or stereotyped language during this evaluation but did offer some inappropriate personal information during a conversation about an intimate relationship (as mentioned above). She provided an adequate amount of information for the examiner's benefit during conversations and occasionally asked questions of the examiner to keep the conversation going. Although Michelle used a variety of gestures while communicating, she did not use many emphatic or emotional gestures. Michelle also demonstrated fairly well developed reciprocal social interaction skills. Although she did seem anxious and uncomfortable at times during the ADOS-2 and occassionaly looked away from the examiner while speaking, she did make eye contact and share enjoyment and laughter with the examiner many times during the evaluation. Michelle seemed to show some insight into her own challenges with social interactions (e.g., sometimes acting inappropriately with her peers as a child, being overly sensitive to criticism). She also took responsibility for her difficulties with others and showed a sense of independence by taking care of her own finances and needs. The quality of her social overtures seemed within normal limits for her age, language level and cognitive abilities but her social responses seemed somewhat awkward at times due to her anxiety.
2. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors:
Michelle did not exhibit any obvious repetitive or stereotyped interests or behaviors during the ADOS-2. However, she did seem anxious and constantly twisted a knit cord around her fingers and rubbed the cord on her face several times, as if to sooth herself with the tactile input.
Michelle's combined score on the ADOS-2 did not meet the threshold for the ADOS-2 classification of autism or autism spectrum. These results suggest that, according to the ADOS-2 criteria, Michelle may show some mild social difficulties but not to the extent that would be predictive of autism spectrum disorder.
I was frustrated that he observed "somewhat awkward" social responses and repetitive actions but decided to disregard them as being anxiety-based. It was even more frustrating that he said I can take care of my finances and needs even though the ADOS does not do anything to test that, he only asked one brief question about it, and I answered that one question by talking at length about how I cannot handle my finances or needs. Sigh.
They had my mom fill out the ADI-R.
Reciprocal Social Interaction: Score = 1 (Threshold 10)
Communication: Score = 6 (Threshold 8 )
Restricted, Repetitive Behavior: Score = 1, Threshold = 3.
Onset (symptoms before 36 months): Score = 0 (Threshold 1)
In other words, I have mad social skills. The massive amount of studying has paid off!
I'm not great at summarizing, but this was the text of my ADOS:
xxxx kept her ski jacket on and hood up for most of the assessment, even though it
was a warm day. In general interaction, xxxx tended to let her wife Mindy lead on
conversation, but was talkative when questioned directly and provided full
explanations for questions about her life and experiences, which was most helpful.
xxxx seemed focussed but did not make eye contact when talking, most of the time.
xxxx used sentences which were well-constructed, using complex grammatical
structures and provided relevant information throughout. xxxx tended not to
spontaneously initiate conversation or conversation topics. Conversations appeared
to maintain some flow and reciprocity with her conversation partner, but the
discussion was generally initiated by and supported by the examiner and there was
limited flexibility in the conversation opportunities. xxxx seemed more able and
confident when talking about topics of interest to her and purposeful topics, rather
than for social engagement or to build a rapport.
There was no evidence of echolalia (repetition) or stereotyped use of words or
phrases. At times xxxx ’s vocalisations appeared to be monotone and flat when
talking for extended periods of time. xxxx appeared to find it difficult to maintain eye
contact and used a limited range of facial expressions to communicate affect.
xxxx was able to use some descriptive / informational gestures, such as pointing,
shaking her head and shrugging her shoulders. However, there was very limited use
of emphatic or emotional gestures.
xxxx seemed to find it difficult to pick up on the examiners cues for reciprocal
conversation.
There was some evidence for taking responsibility for her actions and making
choices in her life. xxxx participates in daily living tasks in her shared home
environment, but there are some areas of difficulty and limited flexibility here too.
xxxx was able to provide a basic description of what a friend is, but acknowledged
that she finds it really confusing to know if people are her friend or not; Mindy seems
like a good friend as well as her wife and they go out on dates and socialise through
their shared hobby of Roller Derby.
xxxx was able to provide some basic descriptions of emotional experiences, but
they were generally vague, for the emotions fear, anxiety, happiness, anger and
sadness.
xxxx completed the Cambridge Scale (EQ) pre-screening questionnaire. The
Empathy Quotient is intended to measure how easily you pick up on other people's
feelings and how strongly you are affected by other people's feelings. xxxx scored
8 (80% of people with Asperger’s syndrome score 30 or less).
The xxxx's were put in on my draft report for confidentiality (this bit didn't need to change between drafts because it was her observation).
Section 10 was about RRBs.
_________________
Diagnosed with:
Moderate Hearing Loss in 2002.
Autism Spectrum Disorder in August 2015.
ADHD diagnosed in July 2016
Also "probable" dyspraxia/DCD and dyslexia.
Plus a smattering of mental health problems that have now been mostly resolved.
It must have been a low score though. Here was the written description of my results:
I was frustrated that he observed "somewhat awkward" social responses and repetitive actions but decided to disregard them as being anxiety-based. It was even more frustrating that he said I can take care of my finances and needs even though the ADOS does not do anything to test that, he only asked one brief question about it, and I answered that one question by talking at length about how I cannot handle my finances or needs. Sigh.
They had my mom fill out the ADI-R.
Reciprocal Social Interaction: Score = 1 (Threshold 10)
Communication: Score = 6 (Threshold 8 )
Restricted, Repetitive Behavior: Score = 1, Threshold = 3.
Onset (symptoms before 36 months): Score = 0 (Threshold 1)
In other words, I have mad social skills. The massive amount of studying has paid off!
Sorry to hear that you don't feel your assessment was fair. Especially it was reported incorrectly. I actually reported my daily living needs being better than they are - I hadn't really thought about it in that way and then realised I needed more support than I'd said, so more detail (under a different section) was put into the final report.
It is a bit frustrating that there's no observation of daily living tasks, so it can only be reporting of a self-report but finances are definitely part of the ADOS-2 Module 4.
_________________
Diagnosed with:
Moderate Hearing Loss in 2002.
Autism Spectrum Disorder in August 2015.
ADHD diagnosed in July 2016
Also "probable" dyspraxia/DCD and dyslexia.
Plus a smattering of mental health problems that have now been mostly resolved.
I know this thread is old, but I just got back the results of an assessment. I had been having trouble with work again so I went in for an assessment last winter to see whether I could get some more information and guidance on coping strategies. JUST got the report. Anyway, my ADOS-2 total was 8, which is just into the mild ASD range, but she decided to keep my existing diagnosis of nonverbal learning disorder because of later onset of social issues and lack of restricted interests. Also, I scored in the normal range on the SRS-2. She did code the NLD diagnosis differently though- the previous diagnostician had coded it as LD-NOS (since NLD is *still* not in the DSM!), while this clinician gave me Neurodevelopmental Disorder with nonverbal learning deficits.
This is what she said about my ADOS-2:
Restricted and Repetitive Behavior – 01;
Overall Total – 08.
ADOS Algorithm: based only on the elements of this observation, LostInSpace does meet cutoff criteria for autism spectrum disorder, severity level – mild.
In consideration of early history for evidence of a developmental delay, LostInSpace's parents describe fairly typical social interaction and communication; though skewed slightly toward shyness and strong-will. It doesn’t appear as if LostInSpace would have met criteria for a pervasive developmental disorder (autism spectrum) at age 4-5 years (the typical timeframe for most symptoms to show).
LostInSpace demonstrated symptomology consistent with an autism spectrum disorder during this evaluation. This is confusing considering the previous conclusion. It may be understood by earlier evaluators’ observations that a Nonverbal Learning Disorder often shares characteristics with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is also important to note that NVLD is based on a neurological explanation (though not recognized as a well-researched and validated syndrome by the American Psychiatric Association) and Autism Spectrum Disorder is based on externally evidenced behavior. It is also important to note that neither LostInSpace nor her previous supervisor rated her within the ASD range for severity of social affective symptoms. It seems most reasonable to conclude that though LostInSpace demonstrates characteristics similar to Autism Spectrum Disorder, her broad presentation is more similar to criteria for social anxiety and lower visual than verbal ability. It would still be appropriate for LostInSpace to use the materials developed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to challenge her nonverbal social skill development.
_________________
Not all those who wander are lost... but I generally am.
This is what she said about my ADOS-2:
Restricted and Repetitive Behavior – 01;
Overall Total – 08.
ADOS Algorithm: based only on the elements of this observation, LostInSpace does meet cutoff criteria for autism spectrum disorder, severity level – mild.
In consideration of early history for evidence of a developmental delay, LostInSpace's parents describe fairly typical social interaction and communication; though skewed slightly toward shyness and strong-will. It doesn’t appear as if LostInSpace would have met criteria for a pervasive developmental disorder (autism spectrum) at age 4-5 years (the typical timeframe for most symptoms to show).
LostInSpace demonstrated symptomology consistent with an autism spectrum disorder during this evaluation. This is confusing considering the previous conclusion. It may be understood by earlier evaluators’ observations that a Nonverbal Learning Disorder often shares characteristics with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is also important to note that NVLD is based on a neurological explanation (though not recognized as a well-researched and validated syndrome by the American Psychiatric Association) and Autism Spectrum Disorder is based on externally evidenced behavior. It is also important to note that neither LostInSpace nor her previous supervisor rated her within the ASD range for severity of social affective symptoms. It seems most reasonable to conclude that though LostInSpace demonstrates characteristics similar to Autism Spectrum Disorder, her broad presentation is more similar to criteria for social anxiety and lower visual than verbal ability. It would still be appropriate for LostInSpace to use the materials developed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to challenge her nonverbal social skill development.
The diagnostician's report is quite well considered and written in its deliberate assessment. My first (non-)diagnosis yielded only Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, not Autism Spectrum Disorder. Later, I realized that my diagnostician had (unintentionally, perhaps) left several clues in her written report to help me. Her report actually helped my second, successful, assessment. Your diagnostician's written report (especially her references to your early developmental behaviors and characteristics) clearly points the way for further assessment(s) by future diagnosticians if you choose to pursue it. It is almost as if your diagnostician is leaving some breadcrumbs along the trail for you in your next steps. I would say to you, don't give up; see this report as a stepping stone. Something about you is waiting to be discovered.
_________________
Diagnosed in 2015 with ASD Level 1 by the University of Utah Health Care Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic using the ADOS-2 Module 4 assessment instrument [11/30] -- Screened in 2014 with ASD by using the University of Cambridge Autism Research Centre AQ (Adult) [43/50]; EQ-60 for adults [11/80]; FQ [43/135]; SQ (Adult) [130/150] self-reported screening inventories -- Assessed since 1978 with an estimated IQ [≈145] by several clinicians -- Contact on WrongPlanet.net by private message (PM)
Greenleaf
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker
Joined: 12 May 2016
Age: 61
Gender: Female
Posts: 53
Location: Rhode Island
I am glad that the second diagnostician looked into everything further. Good for you for getting through all that, it's hard (I thought so anyhow.)
Mine was an 8 also; I've had so many years to watch how to "act normal" that I know I would have scored differently 30 years ago. At 31, you have also had a lot of social observation and practice time. Also -- females apparently can be more motivated to observe, mimic etc. in social settings; that eventually turns into a large skill set for some of us. Our brains' fMRIs are somewhat different on average from male autistics when socializing too.
However, applying this internalized sort-of-model of social interaction, though really fast now for me, takes loads of energy, and doesn't work for me if the situation is too complex/chaotic/long-lasting etc. I get very spacy, can't actually feel the left side of my body too well? Weird stuff that I used to totally not even notice because fitting in was such a survival priority. Noticing my emotions, things like the effects of overstress is really hard for me, that's part of where I'm very slow in spite of a very high "IQ". But having a diagnosis gave me big hints about where to look.
Wouldn't it be great if there were more actual resources for adults, to help us figure out how this affects us, once we get the diagnosis??? (I find youtubes the best, like Dr. Tony Attwood.)
The ADOS-2 (module 4, for adults) is supposed to have some stuff that helps the diagnoser "see" the way certain adult female autistics function (inc. the parts where we can differ from most male autistics, from whom the tests were generally developed), but I bet that is still imperfect and will improve with time, it's still quite new.
Re. coping strategies... Dr. Tony Attwood's book "Been there, done that, try this" -- sounds like a possibility? He seems to be one of the few clinicians with decades of experience with female aspies amongst his clients. I haven't read it, but maybe?