Lurie Center: Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)

The Autism Diagnostic Interview- Revised (ADI-R) is an extensive interview with the parent or caregiver that helps the clinician obtain detailed information that is important in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.

What is the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised)?

The Autism Diagnostic Interview- Revised (ADI-R) is an extensive interview with the parent or caregiver that helps the clinician obtain detailed information that is important in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The interview lasts 1½ to 2½ hours and can be completed for individuals age two years and older.

The questions on this highly structured interview focus on three categories that are relevant to ASD:  language and communication, social interactions and repetitive, restricted behaviors.

The scores on the ADI-R, based on the answers to the questions, indicate whether or not an individual’s behaviors are consistent with ASD.

Although used primarily in research because of its standardization, the ADI-R requires clinical judgment from a professional with ASD expertise when making a diagnosis. It is common to make an ASD diagnosis without use of the ADI-R; the ADI-R is an additional tool that can be completed as needed.