October 31, 2024

The Autism Institute’s Clinical Core offers comprehensive virtual training for clinicians and researchers on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 training provides clinicians across a variety of disciplines with essential training for utilizing this diagnostic tool to assess individuals across various ages and developmental levels. Since its launch in 2021, this program—led by AJDAI’s Clinical Director Dr. Elisabeth Sheridan in collaboration with Dr. Whitney Guthrie from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Autism Research—has hosted 18 trainings to date, training over 1,000 professionals from all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and 22 countries, including Slovenia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia.

The ADOS-2 three-day Introductory/Clinical training equips psychologists, pediatricians, social workers, speech language pathologists, and other qualified professionals with the skills to incorporate the ADOS-2, an evidence-based assessment tool, into their autism evaluations. Through a combination of lectures, video demonstrations, and hands-on coding practice, participants leave the workshop with a thorough understanding of the ADOS-2. The program has expanded rapidly, with feedback highlighting the exceptional quality of the training, which has exceeded expectations in content delivery, engagement, and accessibility.

Attendees have consistently praised the program’s design and presenters. One participant remarked, “In my 25 years of practice, this was the best workshop I’ve attended in terms of time management and thoroughness. The presenters made the experience seamless, answering questions in real-time while delivering key insights.”

Another attendee commented on the practical application of the training: “The videos and scoring modules provided invaluable practice. The trainers were so passionate and knowledgeable, making the subject matter both approachable and impactful.”

The ADOS-2 training program's international reach and strong reputation reflect its importance in expanding access to high-quality autism evaluations around the world. As one clinician noted, “Thank you for making autism evaluations more accessible for both clinicians and the families we serve.”

Looking ahead, the program is set to continue its growth, further enhancing the skills of professionals worldwide and advancing the field of autism diagnosis. The trainers’ ability to create an inclusive, engaging environment for professionals from diverse backgrounds remains one of the critical strengths of the program. As one attendee expressed, “This training was one of the most engaging virtual trainings I’ve attended—well done!”

For more details on the program, please visit our training webpage, or contact us at ASDtraining@drexel.edu.