How long is the ADOS Training?
This is a common question that people often ask. If you search ADOS training courses, you will find that they vary in length: the shortest is 2 days long and the longest is 5 days long, which might be confusing.
You might think the following:
Many of us will have experience of training to do an assessment and being able to start using it immediately. We got more skilled at using it over time, but we didn’t need ongoing support, supervision or practise. This was not because of the outstanding quality of the training; it was because we learned to administer and code straightforward assessments that were not difficult to understand or use.
The ADOS is not a straightforward assessment that anyone can use and all training, regardless of whether it is 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, is an introduction to the assessment.
Learning the ADOS-2 is like learning to drive.
You have to learn to divide your attention between multiple things at once throughout the assessment.
On top of this, you have to make notes so that you can code the ADOS, AND all ADOS practitioners have to work towards coding reliably, i.e., to be in at least 80% agreement with the consensus established by experienced trainers.
It takes time to learn to do that, and you need help to co-ordinate all these skills, e.g., chances to watch others, to be observed, to join in coding discussions, to check your coding against more experienced clinicians, to discuss your experiences, to ask questions.
“Even given a sufficient educational background and experience with autism, simple attendance at a workshop is not sufficient to ensure competent use of the ADOS-2.” (ADOS-2 Manual, 2012)
All courses cover the core training, which includes information about the ADOS and its role in autism assessment, the diagnostic criteria, the standardised conditions clinicians have to follow for findings to be reliable, administration and coding across the ADOS modules. All training includes watching and coding ADOS assessments.
However, when choosing which course to do, I recommend thinking about the following:
1. Your knowledge and experience of autism
The ADOS was originally devised as a standardised assessment for autism research. It was used by professionals who specialised in autism and were extremely knowledgeable and experienced.
When it became a clinical tool, a wider range of people trained to use the ADOS, but they were usually working in the field and had a lot of experience. This has changed over the years with growing demand and need. A much wider range of professions are involved in autism assessment now, with a range of knowledge and experience.
BUT……
The standard ADOS-2 introductory course is 2 days, because it assumes a high level of knowledge and experience.
“The introductory training is intended for professionals involved in assessment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), who are interested in learning more about how the ADOS-2 can be appropriately incorporated into a diagnostic assessment battery.” (Somer Bishop, ADOS co-author)
2. Your learning style
For example, if you are very experienced and you learn information quickly, a 2- day course could be a good option for you. If you need time to process information, you benefit from learning at a slightly slower pace, 4 days might be right for you.
3. Access to support to develop the skills you will learn on an ADOS training course
This is essential. I advise you to think very carefully about doing this training if you do not have access to support.