What Is the ADI-R Autism Assessment?

PostedNovember 10, 2025

UpdatedNovember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

The ADI-R autism assessment (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) is a widely used interview tool that helps clinicians evaluate autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Unlike observational assessments, the ADI-R is a structured interview conducted with the child’s primary caregivers, allowing the clinician to gather detailed information about the child’s developmental history, behaviour, communication skills, and social interactions. This diagnostic instrument is critical in identifying autism traits and providing a comprehensive evaluation to guide the next steps in diagnosis and treatment.

The ADI-R autism assessment is often used alongside other diagnostic tools, such as the ADOS-2, to create a full picture of the child’s behaviour and developmental progress.

How the ADI-R Autism Assessment Works

Here’s how the ADI-R autism assessment functions:

Interview Tool:

The ADI-R is a structured interview with the caregiver input being central to the process. Caregivers are asked a series of detailed questions about the child’s early development, including communication patterns, social interactions, and behaviour across different settings.

Diagnostic Instrument:

The ADI-R is designed to assess whether a child’s behaviours meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder. It looks at behaviours over time and across multiple domains, making it an essential tool for diagnosing autism and understanding its severity.

Caregiver Input:

Since the ADI-R relies heavily on caregiver input, it provides a more complete view of the child’s behaviour, especially in cases where direct observation may not reveal all of the child’s social and communication difficulties. This feedback is invaluable for understanding how autism affects the child in different environments, such as at home or in social settings.

The ADI-R autism assessment is an essential part of the autism diagnosis process, offering a comprehensive view of the child’s behaviour and development. For expert advice and personalised consultations, visit providers like Autism Detect to guide you through the diagnostic process.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Autism Screening and Assessment Tools.

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.