2.2. Psychological Examination
autism
To evaluate the severity of ASD symptoms and their changes within the study period, the standardized ADOS-2 assessment was delivered. The ADOS-2 assessments were videotaped and cross-coded by two trained psychologists. All researchers were masked to treatment group assignment. Monitored items were selected from developmentally staged ADOS-2 modules (Module 1—early development nonverbal; Module 1—early words; Module 2—phrase speech; and Module 3—fluent speech). We chose this autism diagnostic symptom measurement instrument because it was possible to rate it in a masked manner. We were able to assess different core symptoms of autism because of its excellent interpersonal objectivity (interrater reliability).Two parent- or caregiver-reported questionnaires (ABC and SRS-2) were collected at each visit.