The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) serves as a structured interview designed to gather comprehensive information for individuals being evaluated for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It systematically collects data from parents or primary caregivers regarding an individual’s developmental history and current behaviors. Its purpose is to assist clinicians in the diagnostic process by providing a detailed profile of behaviors associated with ASD. The ADI-R is widely recognized and used by both researchers and clinicians to better understand and identify autism.
Understanding the ADI-R
The ADI-R is a comprehensive, semi-structured interview administered to parents or primary caregivers with extensive knowledge of the individual’s developmental history and current behaviors. This interview is structured into five distinct sections, covering topics from opening questions to general behavior problems. It typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete, depending on the depth of information provided.
The interview focuses on three core areas of autism spectrum disorder. These areas include reciprocal social interaction, which assesses aspects like emotional sharing and social smiling. Communication and language investigates both verbal and non-verbal aspects such as stereotyped utterances and the social use of language. Restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests are also examined, including unusual preoccupations and hand mannerisms.
The ADI-R collects information on both historical behaviors, often from early childhood, and current patterns. This dual focus allows clinicians to identify developmental trajectories and persistent characteristics.
Navigating the ADI-R Interview
A trained clinician, often a psychologist, administers the ADI-R in a quiet setting, such as an office or a home. The interviewer asks detailed, probing questions about the individual’s developmental history and current behaviors.
Parents can expect questions about early developmental milestones, language acquisition, social interactions, and unusual behaviors. For instance, questions might explore when a child started babbling, how they express needs, or if they engage in repetitive movements like hand flapping. Preparing for the interview can involve reviewing old photographs, school reports, or notes about developmental milestones, especially those from the 4-5 age range. The individual being assessed is typically not present, allowing caregivers to speak freely and provide detailed insights.
The ADI-R’s Role in Autism Diagnosis
The ADI-R plays a role in the diagnostic process for autism spectrum disorder by providing a detailed developmental history. Information on social interaction, communication, and restricted behaviors is integrated with other diagnostic tools. It is frequently used alongside the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), which involves direct observation of current behaviors.
This combination allows clinicians to develop a diagnostic picture, contrasting historical accounts with real-time observations. The ADI-R is valuable for capturing historical information not observable during direct assessment, such as early developmental delays or the onset of specific behaviors. Beyond clinical diagnosis, the ADI-R also contributes to research by helping identify and characterize phenotypic features of autism. Its structured nature aids in differentiating autism from other developmental disorders, promoting accurate diagnoses and informing intervention strategies.