Across the UK, demand for autism assessments has increased significantly. Waiting lists continue to grow, and services are under pressure to expand diagnostic capacity while maintaining clinical quality and consistency.
As services expand, clinicians working in neurodevelopmental and autism diagnostic pathways increasingly require formal ADOS-2 training to support reliable assessment and diagnosis.
One of the key challenges many services face is ensuring that clinicians are appropriately trained to administer structured diagnostic tools such as the ADOS-2.
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) is widely recognised as one of the most important assessment tools used within multidisciplinary autism diagnostic pathways.
What is the ADOS-2?
The ADOS-2 is a semi-structured, standardised observational assessment used as part of a comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluation. It is typically used alongside other tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R), to support clinical decision-making.
The assessment is designed to evaluate communication, social interaction and behaviours associated with autism across different developmental stages.
One of the strengths of the ADOS-2 is that it can be used across a wide age range, from young children through to adults, with different modules designed to match an individual’s language and developmental level.
Why ADOS-2 Training Matters
The ADOS-2 is a powerful diagnostic tool, but it requires proper training and practice to use reliably.
Unlike many clinical assessments that can be used immediately after training, the ADOS-2 requires clinicians to develop confidence in both administration and coding over time. This is why structured training and ongoing supervision are so important.
Clinicians need to understand:
• The standardised conditions required for the assessment
• How to administer each module correctly
• How to code behaviours consistently and accurately
• How to interpret findings within the wider diagnostic picture
Training provides the foundation for developing these skills and ensures assessments are delivered in line with recognised standards.
About the ADOS-2 Training
The upcoming ADOS-2 courses provide a structured introduction to the assessment across four days of training.
The course covers:
• The background and development of the ADOS
• Detailed guidance on modules 1–4
• Administration and coding procedures
• Research findings relating to validity and reliability
• Best practice in autism assessment
Participants also receive access to learning materials before, during and after the course, including video examples of assessments, example reports and guidance on neuro-affirmative language.
The course includes a combination of independent study, group discussion and practical learning, with additional post-course support to help clinicians continue developing their skills.
Who the Training Is For
The course is designed for professionals with relevant experience working with autistic individuals and who are involved in diagnostic or assessment services.
Participants typically include:
• Psychologists
• Speech and Language Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Paediatricians
• Psychiatrists
• Nurses
• Social Workers
• Education specialists
• Researchers working in neurodevelopmental fields
Because the ADOS-2 is a complex assessment tool, participants are expected to have a relevant degree and practical experience working with autistic people or within neurodevelopmental services.
Developing Skills After the Course
Completing training is only the first step.
Clinicians are expected to practise administering and coding ADOS-2 assessments after the course in order to develop reliability and confidence. This typically involves support from supervisors, mentors or multidisciplinary teams.
This ongoing development ensures that clinicians are able to deliver high-quality assessments within real clinical pathways.
Upcoming ADOS-2 Training Dates
The following online courses are currently scheduled:
27–30 April 2026
8–11 June 2026
6–9 July 2026
Learn More
If you are working in neurodevelopmental services and want to expand your diagnostic assessment skills, you can find more information about the training here: