Advancing Autism Assessment for Adults
The Math Adult Autism Diagnostic Interview (MAADI©) is a semi-structured, conversation-based assessment developed to support accurate and affirming autism diagnosis in verbally fluent adults. The MAADI© focuses on subtle, late-identified, and masked presentations of autism, areas often overlooked in traditional diagnostic tools.
As part of the instrument’s development, I am conducting a Content Validity Review to evaluate the clarity, relevance, and essentiality of each item within the MAADI©. This process ensures the interview is both clinically precise and grounded in real-world experience.
Purpose of the Content Validity Review
The content validity phase is a crucial step in psychometric development.
This process evaluates whether the MAADI©’s items accurately measure the constructs of adult autism and whether they are clear, essential, and clinically useful for mental health professionals.
I am seeking feedback from licensed clinicians, psychologists, neuropsychologists, and professionals with experience in autism, neurodiversity, or differential diagnosis. Your participation directly strengthens the accuracy and integrity of the MAADI© as it moves toward full validation.
What Reviewers Do
As a MAADI© reviewer, you will:
- Review all interview items organized by diagnostic domain (A–E).
- Rate each item using a three-point scale:
- Essential – Required for understanding or assessing the construct.
- Useful but not essential – Helpful but not required.
- Not necessary – Does not meaningfully contribute.
- Provide optional written comments or wording suggestions to improve clarity or clinical applicability.
The process takes approximately 20–30 minutes and can be completed using the provided Content Validity Rating Form (CVR form).
Domains Reviewed
The MAADI© includes interview questions across seven domains aligned with DSM-5 autism criteria and current research on adult neurodivergence:
- A1 – Social-Emotional Reciprocity
- A2 – Nonverbal Communication
- A3 – Relationships & Social Understanding
- B1 – Repetitive Movements, Speech, or Object Use
- B2 – Insistence on Sameness and Predictability
- B3 – Restricted or Fixated Interests
- B4 – Sensory Differences
Additional sections assess early developmental history, functional impact, and differential diagnostic considerations, ensuring the MAADI© provides a complete clinical picture.
Confidentiality and Reviewer Agreement
All MAADI© materials are confidential and proprietary. Reviewers agree to:
- Maintain the confidentiality of all provided materials.
- Avoid sharing, reproducing, or distributing interview content.
- Use the materials exclusively for the purpose of professional review.
Participation is voluntary, and reviewers may decline or withdraw at any time without consequenceMAADI_Reviewer_Packet.
How Feedback Is Used
Clinician feedback is analyzed to determine the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) for each item.
Items rated as essential by a majority of experts are retained, while those rated useful but not essential or not necessary are refined or removed.
Your professional input directly shapes:
- The clarity and wording of interview items.
- The clinical relevance of each diagnostic domain.
- The overall validity and usability of the MAADI© for adult autism assessment.
Why Participate
By joining the MAADI© Content Validity Review, you’ll:
- Contribute to the creation of a cost-free diagnostic interview accessible to therapists and evaluators worldwide.
- Support a neurodiversity-affirming approach to adult autism diagnosis.
- Be part of a research-informed development process that emphasizes lived experience and inclusivity.
Clinicians who complete the review will receive acknowledgment (optional) and early access to the finalized MAADI© materials upon publication.
How to Participate
- Review the items and complete the Content Validity Rating Form.
- Submit your completed packet via secure email to kristen@therapydynamics.com.
Your time and expertise are invaluable in refining this tool for clinicians and clients alike.
👩⚕️ About the Developer
The MAADI© was developed by Kristen Math, MA, MS (EdD Candidate), a licensed professional clinical counselor, psychological assessment specialist, and autistic clinician. Kristen’s mission is to make high-quality, evidence-based assessment tools available to all mental health professionals, without financial barriers.