Gilliam Asperger's Disorder Scale (GADS)

The Gilliam Asperger Disorder Scale (GADS) is a norm-referenced test designed to evaluate children with unique behavioural problems who may have Asperger’s Disorder. Based on the most current and relevant defi nitions and diagnostic criteria of Asperger’s Disorder, the GADS is useful for contributing valuable information toward the identifi cation of children who have this disorder. Easily completed by a parent and professional who knows the child, the GADS provides documentation about the essential behaviour characteristics of Asperger’s Disorder necessary for diagnosis.

The GADS has the following characteristics:

• Thirty-two clearly stated items divided into four subscales describe specific,observable, and measurable behaviours.
• Eight additional items are included for parents to contribute data about their child’s development during the first three years of life.
• Items are based on the most current defi nitions of Asperger’s Disorder.
• The test was normed on 107 representative subjects with Asperger’s Disorder from 27 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Australia.
• The scale can be completed by parents and professionals at school and home.
• Both validity and reliability of the instrument clearly support its stated purposes.
• Behaviours are rated using objective, frequency-based ratings.
• The scale is easily completed by teachers, parents, and others who have knowledge of the subject’s behaviour or the greatest opportunity to observe him or her.
• Standard scores and percentiles are provided.
• A table is provided for determining the likelihood that a subject has Asperger’s Disorder.