Is Parental Consent Required for Autism ADI‑R?

PostedNovember 12, 2025

UpdatedNovember 12, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Yes, ADI-R parental consent is required before the assessment can be carried out with a child or young person. The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a detailed, structured interview that collects sensitive information about developmental history, so obtaining proper consent is essential for both legal and ethical reasons.

Why Consent Matters for the ADI-R

Here’s what to understand about ADI-R parental consent and its role in the assessment process:

Legal Approval

Clinicians must obtain legal approval from a parent or guardian before beginning the ADI-R when the person being assessed is under 18. This ensures that the parent is aware of the purpose, scope and nature of the questions being asked during the session.

Informed Agreement

The consent process involves providing clear, accessible information about how the interview will be conducted and how the results will be used. This allows parents to give informed agreement before proceeding.

Ethical Compliance

Obtaining ADI-R parental consent supports ethical compliance by protecting the rights of families and individuals. It ensures transparency, builds trust and reinforces the professional responsibility of the clinician.

In adult assessments, consent is obtained directly from the individual being assessed, unless additional permissions are needed due to mental capacity concerns. For clear, respectful assessments handled by qualified professionals, 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., ADI-R, ADOS-2).

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.