Definition
The Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R) is a semi-structured developmental interview with a child's main caregiver, covering early development, language, social interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviours. Administered by trained clinicians and used alongside the ADOS-2 as the developmental history component in a multi-disciplinary autism assessment.
In context for parents
Key checkpoints
- The ADI-R is a semi-structured developmental interview with a child's main caregiver covering early development to current functioning.
- Administered by trained clinicians and used alongside the ADOS-2 as developmental history in multi-disciplinary autism assessment.
- Takes around 2–3 hours; generates scores on four diagnostic domains mapped to DSM-IV / DSM-5 criteria.
- 3Di and DISCO are NICE-permitted alternatives for the developmental history component.
- For older children where parent recall is limited, photographs, video, school reports, and health visitor records can supplement.
The ADI-R takes around 2–3 hours to administer and covers the child's developmental history from infancy to current presentation. It generates scores on four diagnostic domains mapped to the older DSM-IV criteria (now adapted for DSM-5): qualitative impairments in reciprocal social interaction; qualitative impairments in communication; restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour; and age of onset. Cut-offs apply to each domain.
The interview asks specific, detailed questions about behaviours at age 4–5 (the "developmental peak" age the algorithm is normed around) and at present, and the parent's responses are coded against operationalised criteria. The depth of the developmental history is what distinguishes the ADI-R from briefer screening tools, and what makes it harder to mask: parents are answering about behaviours that occurred years ago, and the cumulative pattern is more informative than any single answer.
The ADI-R is one of three commonly-used developmental history tools in UK diagnostic pathways. The 3Di (Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview) is a computer-administered alternative, faster to deliver. The DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders) is used in some specialist services. NICE CG128 is permissive: an ADI-R, 3Di, or DISCO meets the developmental history requirement.
For older children where the parent may not have detailed recall of early development, the ADI-R has limitations. Photographs, video, school reports, health visitor records, and Personal Child Health Record entries from infancy and early childhood can supplement memory. Some clinicians choose the 3Di or DISCO over the ADI-R for older children with complex presentations.
In an EHCP-relevant autism assessment, the developmental history (ADI-R, 3Di, or DISCO) is alongside the ADOS-2 the core diagnostic evidence. NICE CG128 requires both a developmental history and an observation to be confident in an autism diagnosis.
Related terms
The terms parents most often see alongside Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised.
Autism(ASC)
A lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that shapes how a person communicates, processes sensory information, and experiences the social world. Autism is a difference, not an illness.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule(ADOS)
A structured, play- and conversation-based observation tool used as part of the diagnostic process for autism. Administered by trained clinicians, alongside a developmental history.
Clinical Psychologist
A psychologist trained in mental health assessment and therapy. Often works within CAMHS and contributes to autism, ADHD, and SEMH diagnostic pathways.
Where parents ask about this
Parents usually find this page after being told the diagnostic team will use the ADI-R, often anxious about a 3-hour interview about their child. Searches include "ADI-R interview what to expect", "ADI-R versus 3Di", and "private ADI-R UK". A Beaakon clinical psychologist or paediatrician with ADI-R training can carry out a private multi-disciplinary autism assessment (ADI-R + ADOS-2), produce a NICE-compliant report, and support the family through the diagnostic process.
References
The primary legislation, statutory guidance, research, and clinical tools this page draws on.