What aspect does the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R) assess?

• A. Developmental History
• B. Social skills
• C. Communication deficits
• D. Adaptive behavior

Answer: (A)

The Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R) is a semi-structured interview designed for the evaluation of individuals suspected of having autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It primarily focuses on gathering detailed developmental history, which is crucial for understanding the onset and progression of autism-related symptoms. This developmental history includes information about early milestones, social interaction patterns, communication skills, and behavior patterns throughout different age stages.

By assessing developmental history, the ADI-R helps clinicians identify specific traits that align with autism criteria, providing a comprehensive view of the individual's experiences over time. While the ADI-R does touch on aspects like social skills, communication deficits, and adaptive behavior in the context of gathering developmental history, its fundamental aim is to chart the trajectory of the individual's development to aid in diagnosis.