Brief report: excluding the ADI-R behavioral domain improves diagnostic agreement in toddlers

J Autism Dev Disord. 2008 May;38(5):972-6. doi: 10.1007/s10803-007-0456-3.

Abstract

Past research shows poor agreement between the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and other diagnostic measures in toddlers. Our goal was to examine whether exclusion of the ADI-R behavioral domain results in improved diagnostic agreement. Toddlers aged 16-37 months (M = 26 months) received an evaluation because they failed the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (n = 142). Evaluations included the ADI-R, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Childhood Autism Rating Scale, and clinical judgment. Results found poor to fair agreement between the ADI-R and other measures; agreement improved when the ADI-R behavioral domain was excluded. These findings suggest that stereotyped interests and behaviors are not as relevant to the ADI-R as other diagnostic criteria when evaluating toddlers for autism spectrum disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Interview, Psychological*
  • Learning
  • Male
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*