Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
What does Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised mean?
The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, or ADI-R, is a structured interview that a trained clinician conducts with a parent or caregiver to gather detailed information about a child's developmental history and day-to-day behaviours related to autism. The interview covers areas like early language development, social skills, play, and repetitive or restricted behaviours, and it draws on your knowledge of your child across different stages of their life. Because caregivers are the experts on their own children, the ADI-R treats your observations and memories as a valuable and central part of the assessment process.
Why this term matters
The ADI-R gives you an important role in your child's assessment by recognizing that the information you hold about your child's development is essential to understanding their profile. The detailed developmental picture it creates can help clinicians, educators, and support teams better understand your child's strengths and support needs.
Canadian context
The ADI-R is used across Canada, often alongside observational tools like the ADOS-2, as part of a comprehensive autism assessment. Availability may vary depending on your province or territory, the type of clinic, and whether assessment is publicly funded or privately accessed.
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