Brief Report: exploratory analysis of the ADOS revised algorithm: specificity and predictive value with Hispanic children referred for autism spectrum disorders.

This study compared Autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) algorithm scores of a sample of 26 children who were administered modules 1-3 of the ADOS with the scores obtained applying the revised ADOS algorithm proposed by Gotham et al. (2007). Results of this application were inconsistent, yielding slightly more accurate results for module 1. New algorithm scores on modules 2 and 3 remained consistent with the original algorithm scores. The Mann-Whitney U was applied to compare revised algorithm and clinical levels of social impairment to determine if significant differences were evident. Results of Mann-Whitney U analyses were inconsistent and demonstrated less specificity for children with milder levels of social impairment. The revised algorithm demonstrated accuracy for the more severe autistic group.