What is the MIGDAS?
The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS) is a qualitative, strength-based assessment tool used to assess and diagnose autism across the lifespan. Unlike traditional standardised tests that rely heavily on structured tasks and scoring, the MIGDAS emphasises naturalistic observation, clinical interviewing, and narrative-based responses to gain a deeper understanding of an individual's internal world.
Designed by Marilyn Monteiro, Ph.D., the MIGDAS is particularly valuable in identifying non-stereotypical autism presentations, including those who mask traits, have high verbal abilities, or do not fit the stereotyped diagnostic criteria often used in traditional autism assessments.
Why Use the MIGDAS?
The MIGDAS differs from conventional autism assessments in several ways, making it a powerful tool for psychologists looking for autism assessment training in Australia. Here’s why it stands out:
1. Strength-Based and Person-Centred
Traditional autism assessments often focus on deficits—what an individual struggles with. The MIGDAS, in contrast, leans closer to a neurodiversity-affirming approach, highlighting both strengths and differences, as well as an individual's sensory profile, and communication style. This makes the process less pathologising and more affirming for autistic individuals.
2. Narrative-Based and Qualitative
Rather than relying purely on cut-off scores and symptom counts, the MIGDAS elicits rich qualitative data by engaging individuals in meaningful conversations. This can be particularly useful when assessing:
Highly verbal autistic individuals who mask traits
Women and those AFAB, who often have more internalised autism presentations
Adults who have developed coping mechanisms that obscure traditional diagnostic markers
3. Flexible and Adaptable
The MIGDAS can be used across different age groups and levels of verbal ability. It includes assessment frameworks for:
Preschoolers (observational play-based approach)
Children and adolescents (structured conversation with visual supports)
Adults (clinician-led discussion exploring lived experiences and sensory profiles)
4. Enhances Clinical Judgment
Rather than offering a black-and-white diagnosis, the MIGDAS enhances a psychologist’s ability to integrate multiple sources of information, including:
Parent and teacher interviews
Developmental history
Direct observations and clinical interviews
Sensory processing profiles
This comprehensive approach can help reduce misdiagnosis and ensure more accurate clinical formulations when working with diverse presentations of autism. One of its greatest strengths is that it does not rely only on a checklist of observable behaviours. For autistic individuals who mask or internalise their traits, you will unlikely see observable traits, and that’s why traditional approaches don’t work. Seeking to explore someone’s internal world and how they experience it is essential for a good diagnostic assessment.
Who is the MIGDAS Suitable For?
The MIGDAS is particularly useful for:
Psychologists conducting autism assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.
Clinicians working with individuals who present with subtle or masked autistic traits.
Professionals who favour a qualitative, interview-based approach over rigid standardised testing.
Those seeking autism assessment training that is neurodiversity-affirming and strength-based.
How to Get MIGDAS Training in Australia
If you're a psychologist looking for MIGDAS training in Australia, there are several ways to upskill and incorporate this tool into your clinical practice:
1. Enrol in My Online Autism Assessment Program, which includes MIGDAS Training
If you're looking for autism assessment training that specifically covers the MIGDAS, my course provides in-depth instruction on how to use the MIGDAS effectively. I also include demonstration videos that show exactly how I administer and interpret the MIGDAS, making it a valuable resource for those who prefer practical, hands-on learning. This ensures that psychologists not only understand the theoretical framework but also see the tool in action, enhancing their confidence in using it in real-world assessments.
2. Seek Supervision or Mentoring from Trained Practitioners
If you’re new to using the MIGDAS, you will also benefit from clinical supervision with an experienced autism assessor who specialises in qualitative diagnostic approaches.
Why Should Psychologists Train in the MIGDAS?
If you are seeking autism assessment training, learning the MIGDAS assessment tool will enhances your ability to:
Identify autistic individuals who may not meet rigid DSM-based criteria but still require support and accommodations.
Conduct more affirming, client-centred assessments that reduce diagnostic trauma and stigma.
Improve clinical accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis, particularly for individuals with co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, or trauma histories).
By investing in MIGDAS training, psychologists can expand their diagnostic toolkit and offer more comprehensive, affirming, and nuanced autism assessments.
Final Thoughts
The MIGDAS is an invaluable tool for psychologists looking to move beyond rigid diagnostic frameworks and embrace a more holistic, qualitative approach to autism assessment. Whether you're new to autism diagnostics or looking to refine your skills, comprehensive autism assessment training that includes MIGDAS training is an excellent way to deepen your clinical practice and ensure more accurate, affirming evaluations.
Interested in learning more about autism and ADHD assessment training? Check out my comprehensive training programs, which include detailed instruction on the MIGDAS and demonstration videos to support psychologists who prefer practical learning.
