Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R)

M. Rutter, A. LeCouteur, M.B.B. & C. Lord

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 behaviour of the individual being evaluated. The interview can be used to assess both children and adults, as long as their mental ages are above 2 years, 0 months.

Composed of 93 items, the ADI-R focuses on three functional domains:
• Language and Communications
• Reciprocal Social Interactions
• Restricted, Repetitive, and Stereotyped Behaviours and Interests

Interview questions cover eight content areas:
• The subject’s background, including family, education, previous diagnoses, and medications
• 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 behaviours
• Clinically relevant behaviours, such as aggression, self-injury, and possible epileptic features.

Following highly standardised procedures, the interviewer records and codes the informant’s responses. (Studies documented in the manual show high test-retest and interrater agreement. Interviewers can refer to the ADI-R training package, described below, to learn accurate coding procedures. It is recommended that users study the training materials before administering the ADI-R.) Typically, administration and scoring require from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Results are scored and interpreted using a Diagnostic Algorithm, a Current Behaviour Algorithm, or both, depending on the purpose of the evaluation.

Because the ADI-R is an interview rather than a test, and because it focuses on behaviours that are rare in non-affected 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.

The new ADOS/ADI-R/SCQ unlimited-use scoring CD allows you to score all three of these important assessments using just one computer scoring program. The CD provides all of the algorithm scoring functions of the ADOS and ADI-R (use the standard paper-and-pencil administrations for the ADOS and ADI-R (W-382A), and then enter the responses into the computer program for rapid scoring). For the SCQ, use the CD to quickly score paper-and-pencil administrations using the PC Answer Sheet, or take advantage of convenient onscreen administration.