ODDA: Autism Spectrum Disorder Behavior Assessment Tool
Autism Spectrum Disorder Behavior Assessment Tool (ADDA) is a standardized assessment scale developed to systematically screen, define and monitor behavioral patterns specific to the autism spectrum in childhood. It provides a critical data source to support the diagnostic process in the clinical setting and structure individual educational plans.
ODDA analyzes the child's developmental stages in a multidimensional way, taking into account the heterogeneous structure of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Its academic infrastructure is built on the following basic clinical sub-dimensions:
• Social Interaction: Measures developmental differences in eye contact, joint attention, social-emotional reciprocity, and peer relationships.
• Communication and Language Development: Evaluates receptive and expressive language skills, as well as deviations in the social (pragmatic) use of language.
• Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors: Detects the clinical severity of stereotypic movements, excessive adherence to routines and sensory sensitivities.
• Play and Symbolic Thought: Analyzes imaginary play skills and the capacity to use objects according to their function.
ODDA is not just a "survey"; It is an evidence-based tool that combines clinical observation, parent interview, and child performance data.
• Power of Early Diagnosis: In the early periods (critical developmental windows), when ASD symptoms are not yet fully established, the sensitivity to detect risky symptoms is high.
• Psychometric Reliability: Validity and reliability studies of the test on a Turkish sample have proven that the tool has a high correlation with clinical diagnosis (DSM-5 criteria).
• Severity Determination: Determines the intensity of the intervention by revealing with numerical data where the child is on the spectrum (mild, moderate, severe).
ODDA applied in our clinic is used as a "development follow-up guide" rather than being a one-time diagnostic tool:
1. Initial Assessment: Clarifies the child's cognitive and social profile before starting the intervention program.
2. Intervention Planning: Determines in which areas the child needs support with specific goals (e.g. increasing joint attention skills).
3. Progress Analysis: The effectiveness of the applied therapies or training is scientifically reported through evaluations repeated at regular intervals.
