A Parent-Friendly Breakdown of ADOS-2 Scoring

Published 2025/04/29 · Updated 2025/05/12

Published April 22, 2025 by Dror Arbel at 101Autism.com

If you’re navigating an autism assessment, ADOS-2 scores can feel like alphabet soup. This guide walks you through each module. It shows real-parent examples. Additionally, it embeds a quick video and infographic to make sense of everything. Let’s dive in!

1. What Is ADOS-2 Scoring?

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), is a gold-standard observational tool. Clinicians use it to assess communication, social interaction, and play.

Raw Score: Points tallied from observed behaviors
Comparison Score: Standardized on a 1–10 scale for cross-module comparison

For more on adult testing pathways, see our Adult Autism Diagnosis Guide.

2. Module Breakdown & Score Table

Module	Age/Language Level	Raw Score Range	Comparison Score & Meaning
Toddler	12–30 mo, nonverbal	0–20	1–4: Minimal behaviors · 5–7: Mild · 8–10: Clear ASD signs
Module 1	Pre-verbal / single words	0–28	1–3: Minimal · 4–6: Mild · 7+: Clear ASD
Module 2	Phrase speech	0–30	1–3: Minimal · 4–7: Mild · 8+: Clear ASD
Module 3	Fluent speech (children & adolescents)	0–30	1–3: Minimal · 4–5: Mild · 6+: Clear ASD
Module 4	Fluent speech (adolescents & adults)	0–30	1–2: Minimal · 3–4: Mild · 5+: Clear ASD

Check out our deep dive on Understanding SRS-2 Assessment for complementary insights.

3. Real-Parent Case Study

“My son’s Module 4 comparison score came back as 6. I finally understood why his eye contact and social chat felt off. My psychologist walked me through each item. Now I know what to ask. I feel equipped to advocate for him at work.”
— Jessica, parent & autism advocate

Watch: ADOS-2 in Action

“What is ADOS-2?” from Western Psychological Services (WPS) — wpspublish.com

And here’s a quick infographic for a visual recap:

5. Actionable Next Steps

Prepare questions: “Can you explain my loved one’s module and comparison score?”
Download your report and compare raw vs. comparison scores.
Read our Adult Autism Diagnosis Guide for post-diagnosis planning.
Explore sensory tools in our Sensory-Friendly Recipes guide.

For local providers, check these directories:

FAQ

❓ How long does an ADOS-2 assessment take?
Most modules run 30–60 minutes; a full assessment may span 2–3 hours including interview and feedback.

❓ Can a self-report replace ADOS-2?
No—self-screeners (AQ-10, SRS-2) are great first steps but a clinician-led ADOS-2 is required for formal diagnosis and accommodations.

❓ What if my comparison score is borderline?
Ask your clinician for a detailed breakdown of raw subdomain scores and consider a second opinion or complementary measures like the SRS-2.

You’ve got this! Understanding your ADOS-2 scores is the first step toward clarity and empowerment. If you have questions or want to share your story, drop a comment below or visit our Contact page.

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