This study aims to investigate variables that may influence the alignment between the ADOS 2 and SRS-2 assessment scores in children with... Show moreThis study aims to investigate variables that may influence the alignment between the ADOS 2 and SRS-2 assessment scores in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specific variables include gender, age, race, ethnicity, comorbid diagnoses, family history of ASD, intellectual functioning, and language skills. A sample of 165 children aged 2 to 17 was analyzed using Pearson’s r correlation coefficients to assess the alignment of total and domain scores. Additionally, univariate moderation analyses were conducted to explore the impact of demographic and clinical factors on the relationship between the SRS-2 total T-score and ADOS-2 total CS. Findings reveal no significant linear correlations between the ADOS-2 total CS and SRS-2 total T-score, nor between their specific domain scores, contrary to our initial hypotheses. However, moderation analyses indicate that gender identity significantly impacts the relationship, with stronger associations observed in girls compared to boys. This suggests that clinicians should be aware of discrepancies between clinician observations and parent reports, advocating for a multi-method assessment approach. The study emphasizes the need for tailored diagnostic strategies that consider individual differences, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and intervention efficacy for diverse ASD presentations. Ultimately, this research highlights the complexities of ASD assessment and underscores the importance of integrating multiple informants and assessment modalities for a comprehensive understanding of each child's unique profile. Future direction for research and clinical work are discussed. Show less
