Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Toddler Module
At what age is the ADOS-T used for a child?
The ADOS-T (Toddler Module of the ADOS-2) is a play-based observation designed for children roughly 12 to 30 months of age who are not yet using regular phrase speech. A trained clinician uses familiar play to observe a toddler's eye contact, gestures, response to their name and shared enjoyment. It is one part of a fuller assessment and gives levels of concern rather than a fixed label at this very young age.
The Toddler Module of the ADOS is built for the very youngest children — a gentle, play-based way to understand a toddler's social communication.
In short
The ADOS-T (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule — Toddler Module) is designed for children roughly 12 to 30 months of age — toddlers who are not yet using consistent phrase speech. It is a structured, play-based observation that a trained clinician uses to gently watch how a young child communicates, plays and connects. It is one part of a fuller assessment, never a stand-alone label, and is used only by qualified professionals.How the Toddler Module is used
The ADOS-T is the version of the ADOS-2 created specifically for very young children — typically between 12 and 30 months, who are walking and not yet speaking in regular short phrases. Through familiar play activities — bubbles, toys, simple shared games — a trained clinician observes a toddler's eye contact, gestures, response to their name, shared enjoyment and early communication. Because toddlers change so quickly, results at this age are described in terms of levels of concern rather than fixed conclusions, and findings are always considered alongside developmental history, parent observations and other assessments. Once a child is using phrase speech or is older than about 30 months, a clinician moves to one of the other ADOS-2 modules better matched to that stage.When this matters for your child
If you have noticed your toddler is slow to respond to their name, makes limited eye contact, points or gestures less than peers, or seems less drawn into shared play, a developmental review is a calm and sensible next step. Noticing early is an invitation to support, not a verdict — and many supports are most powerful in these early years.The Pinnacle way
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care, never from an app or form. Our clinicians use validated tools such as the ADOS-T within a warm, whole-child assessment, and where helpful build a plan that may include speech therapy and other developmental supports.Trusted sources
WHO ICD guidance on autism spectrum disorders; the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren on developmental screening in toddlers; CDC milestone and early-identification guidance.Next step — If you would like to understand your toddler's social communication, book a developmental review with a Pinnacle Blooms Network clinician.
What to watch
Limited response to their name, reduced eye contact, pointing or gesturing less than peers, and seeming less drawn into shared play between 12 and 30 months.
Try this at home
Build shared moments into play — blow bubbles, pause and wait for your toddler to look at you or reach, and name what you see together; these tiny back-and-forth exchanges nurture early social communication.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
What age is the ADOS-T designed for?
The ADOS-T (Toddler Module) is designed for children roughly 12 to 30 months of age who are walking and not yet using consistent phrase speech.
Is the ADOS-T a diagnosis on its own?
No. It is one structured, play-based observation used by a trained clinician, always interpreted alongside developmental history and other assessments — never a stand-alone diagnosis.
What happens after a child outgrows the Toddler Module?
Once a child uses regular phrase speech or is older than about 30 months, a clinician moves to a different ADOS-2 module better matched to that developmental stage.