What Materials Are Used in Autism ADOS‑2?

PostedNovember 12, 2025

UpdatedNovember 12, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

The ADOS-2 materials are carefully selected to support a structured and interactive assessment environment. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), uses specific items that help clinicians observe social, communication and behavioural responses. These materials vary slightly depending on the individual’s age and language level.

What’s Included in ADOS-2 Materials?

Here’s an overview of the types of ADOS-2 materials typically used:

Testing Tools

The ADOS-2 kit includes essential testing tools like picture books, puzzles and activity cards. These items are used to guide interaction and encourage communication, allowing the assessor to observe how a person initiates, responds and engages.

Play-Based Items

For younger children or non-verbal individuals, the assessment includes play-based items such as dolls, toy cars, pretend foods and building blocks. These support natural play scenarios, which are important for evaluating social imagination and shared attention.

Standardised Props

The materials are not random toys but carefully selected standardised props that must be used consistently across all assessments. This standardisation ensures the results are comparable and the behaviours observed are interpreted within the same structured context.

In essence, ADOS-2 materials are designed to create situations where core autism traits can be naturally observed. For assessments using the full ADOS-2 kit, visit providers like Autism Detect for professional services.

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.