Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorder (‘DISCO’) and Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (‘ADI-R’) are both diagnostic tools used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose autism and other developmental disorders.
The use of either the DISCO or the ADI-R is an essential part of a NICE-compliant multi-disciplinary autism assessment. It provides valuable information that can help guide and support autistic individuals and their families.
Both tools gather information about the person’s medical and developmental history and their current presentation. They are both considered gold standard.
Typically the professional carrying out the developmental history will be trained in the use of one or other of these tools, and this will determine which one they administer.
Who takes part in the ADI-R & DISCO autism assessment ?
The DISCO and the ADI-R are conducted by a trained professional and are used to help diagnose both adults and children. If the diagnosis is being sought for a child or dependent, the interview will involve the parents or caregivers.
What happens in the DISCO?
It is a semi-structured interview, in which the trained professional will ask questions on various areas of the person’s life. Including ….
- Social Interaction: Difficulties in reciprocal social interaction, understanding social cues, and forming relationships.
- Communication: Challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication, including speech development and understanding language.
- Behaviour: Repetitive behaviours, restricted interests, and unusual responses to sensory experiences.
- Developmental History: Early development milestones and any regression in skills.
- Daily Living Skills: Ability to perform everyday tasks independently.
What happens in the ADI-R?
The ADI-R consists of 93 questions and is conducted as a semi-structured interview and covers three main areas:
- Language and Communication: Evaluating both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
- Reciprocal Social Interactions: Assessing social behaviours and relationships, including the ability to form peer relationships and respond to social interactions.
- Restricted, Repetitive, and Stereotyped Behaviours and Interests: Identifying repetitive behaviours, routines, and restricted interests typical in individuals with autism.
How long do the assessments take?
Both the DISCO and the ADI-R are comprehensive and detailed interviews that can typically take several hours to complete. It can be challenging for all those involved but is necessary to distinguish between different types of social and communication disorders.
We asked the mother of one of the children we support how she felt about the DISCO interview process and here’s what she had to say :
The DISCO is a lengthy process but one that I wish we’d have known about at the beginning of our diagnostic journey. When our son was finally diagnosed, it was such a long winded procedure that took 4 years. We were then given a rushed, one size fits all ASD diagnosis.
Since then, we paid for a private autism assessment which included a DISCO. The information gathered led the team to suggest further investigation into several other conditions. M has since been diagnosed with Dyspraxia, severe Dyslexia, Mears Irlens Syndrome & ADHD.
Had we started with a private autism screening, we would have had a much more honest and clear picture. As a result M would not have had such a difficult few years in school.
If you suspect you or your child has autism, I would highly recommend getting a private diagnosis that includes the DISCO. Had we waited for the NHS, it is likely my son would be non verbal today. With time, care and encouragement from the team at ISLTS, he got there and it is a joy everyday when he talks to me about all of his obsessions. I am now an expert on Disney cartoons and animation concepts!
Why is developmental history an important part of an autism assessment?
Developmental history is a crucial part of an autism assessment. It provides a comprehensive, contextual, and detailed understanding of the individual’s developmental trajectory. This is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective intervention planning.
To understand the importance of developmental history read our blog
‘Diagnosing Autism – Importance of Developmental History‘
I’m an adult, so why is it important to gather information about my childhood?
If you are an adult seeking an autism diagnosis, it is more than likely you have been experiencing symptoms your whole life.
Autism is a developmental disorder, meaning its symptoms typically appear in early childhood. Understanding your childhood behaviour and development helps confirm that these traits have been present throughout your life. Gathering childhood information provides a comprehensive view of how these traits have persisted and manifested over time.
Many adults develop coping mechanisms and adaptations to manage their autism symptoms. Understanding your childhood can shed light on these strategies and how they developed.
Therefore, gathering information about your childhood is essential for an accurate and thorough autism diagnosis in adulthood. It provides critical insights into your developmental history, supports the diagnostic criteria, and helps differentiate autism from other conditions.
An adult autism diagnosis can also provide a sense of validation and relief, knowing that these experiences are part of a recognized condition. It can enhance self-awareness and self-understanding. Helping you make sense of your experiences and how they relate to autism.
What happens next?
Alongside other information gathered as part of the NICE compliant autism assessment, the responses given help the assessment team to make a diagnosis.
An autism diagnosis will be based on specific criteria, such as those outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Moving forwards, the comprehensive understanding that you get from the DISCO or ADI-R will enable more effective and personalised interventions, that will foster better outcomes and support for you and your family.
It’s important to note that DISCO or ADI-R is part of a wider assessment and can not be used alone to make an autism diagnosis. See below for more information on the autism assessment tools used as part of our private autism assessment.
Autism Assessment Tools – DISCO & ADIR
Autism Assessment Tools – Language Screening
Useful Reading
10 Benefits of a Private Autism Assessment
Private Autism Assessment Cost
