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The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2) is a sensory-based, qualitative interview process used to gather and organise information relevant to an autism assessment. The publisher specifies an age range of 3 to 99 years and provides different interview protocols according to age and verbal fluency.
MIGDAS-2 can help a child psychologist describe an individual’s communication, social and emotional patterns, sensory experiences and interests. It is not an intelligence test, academic achievement test or stand-alone diagnostic decision. Findings need to be considered with developmental history, functioning, observation and other information relevant to the assessment question.
The interview protocols guide the child psychologist to gather examples across three areas:
The aim is to develop an individualised behavioural profile. The focus is on qualitative descriptions and meaningful examples, rather than producing an IQ score or academic achievement result.
MIGDAS-2 includes five protocols:
The parent, carer and teacher questionnaires can be completed in writing or used to guide an interview. The psychologist selects the protocol and informants that are relevant to the person’s age, communication and assessment question. Not every form is required for every child.
During the child or adolescent interview, the psychologist uses conversation, sensory materials and areas of interest to support interaction and gather behavioural examples. The activities vary according to the selected protocol and the person’s communication profile. There are no school-style right or wrong answers.
The publisher gives an administration range of approximately 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the format. It may take longer according to the child’s pace, communication needs, sensory needs, breaks and other clinical considerations. This range refers to the MIGDAS-2 component, not the total time required for a broader autism assessment.
Parents can prepare by bringing relevant developmental, health and education information and examples from everyday settings. They can also ask the psychologist how the child will be prepared, who will attend and which forms are expected.
MIGDAS-2 may contribute useful information to a diagnostic evaluation, but it should not be treated as the entire autism assessment. Australian guidance recommends drawing on multiple sources of information and considering whether autism is the best explanation for the person’s characteristics and experiences.
The psychologist may also consider developmental history, parent or carer information, teacher information where relevant, direct observation, everyday functioning, health and other assessment measures. A MIGDAS-2 profile alone does not guarantee an autism diagnosis, NDIS access, funding, school adjustments, treatment or service eligibility.
MIGDAS-2 organises qualitative information gathered through sensory-based interviews and questionnaires. ADOS-2 is a standardised, semi-structured observation using one of five modules selected according to age and expressive language. They are different tools, and neither should automatically be assumed necessary for every person.
The psychologist chooses assessment components according to the referral question, the child’s needs and the information already available. One tool is not inherently better for every child.
Learn more about Quirky Kid’s autism assessments for children, or book an initial consultation to discuss the most appropriate next step.
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