Can Autism ADOS‑2 Be Performed by GP?

PostedNovember 12, 2025

UpdatedNovember 12, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

No, the ADOS-2 by general practitioner is not typically permitted within standard clinical guidelines. The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is a specialised tool that requires formal training, clinical experience and a deep understanding of developmental disorders. General practitioners (GPs) do not usually meet the criteria for administering this assessment on their own.

Why ADOS-2 Is Outside the GP’s Role

Here is why ADOS-2 by general practitioner is not standard practice:

Primary Care

GPs in primary care settings play a vital role in recognising potential signs of autism and making referrals. However, they are not usually trained in behavioural coding or structured autism diagnostics, which are essential to correctly administering the ADOS-2.

Eligibility

Administering the ADOS-2 requires specific eligibility criteria, including advanced qualifications in psychology, psychiatry or speech and language therapy, along with completion of ADOS-2 training. GPs typically refer patients to specialists who meet these standards.

Professional Scope

The professional scope of a GP focuses on general medical care, not specialised psychological assessments. Attempting to perform an ADOS-2 assessment without proper credentials could lead to inaccurate conclusions and delay appropriate support.

For accurate and reliable assessments, the ADOS-2 should be conducted by trained professionals. If you suspect autism or are seeking a referral, your GP can help direct you to clinicians who meet the criteria. For specialist evaluations, visit providers like Autism Detect for support.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Autism Diagnostic Tools (e.g., ADOS-2, ADI-R).

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.