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What Is the Childhood Autism Rating Scale?

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Summary

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The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is a tool used to help identify autism in children. It involves observing a child’s behavior and scoring them on a scale to determine if they show signs of mild, moderate, or severe autism.

Frequently Asked Question

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How accurate is the CARS?

The accuracy of the CARS can vary, but it is generally considered to be a reliable tool for diagnosing autism in children. However, it is not a definitive test, and other evaluations may also be needed.

Who can fill out the CARS questionnaire?

The CARS questionnaire can be filled out by doctors, therapists, teachers, and other professionals who have experience working with children and evaluating their behavior.

Can the CARS be used to diagnose autism in adults?

No, the CARS is designed specifically for children and is not recommended for use in diagnosing autism in adults. Other assessments may be more appropriate for evaluating autism in adults.

Scientific Definition

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The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is a 15-item behavioral rating scale used to identify and classify the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Trained professionals observe the child and rate them on each item using a 4-point scale. Scores range from 15 to 60, with higher scores indicating more severe autism symptoms. The CARS has demonstrated strong reliability and validity in differentiating children with autism from those with other developmental delays.

 

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Video Explanation

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Real World Example of Childhood Autism Rating Scale

Emily’s parents noticed she wasn’t meeting developmental milestones like her older brother had at her age. They brought up their concerns to her pediatrician, who referred them to a specialist for an autism evaluation. The specialist used the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) as part of the assessment process.

  • Observation: The specialist observed Emily’s behavior during the appointment, noting her limited eye contact, lack of social interaction, and repetitive movements.
  • Rating: For each of the 15 items on the CARS, the specialist rated Emily’s behavior on a scale from 1 (within normal limits) to 4 (severely abnormal).
  • Scoring: After completing the ratings, the specialist calculated Emily’s total score, which fell in the range indicating mild to moderate autism.

With this information, Emily’s parents and the specialist created a personalized treatment plan to help her develop important skills and manage her autism symptoms.

How Does the Childhood Autism Rating Scale Work?

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is a valuable tool for diagnosing and assessing the severity of autism in children. Here’s how it works:

  • Observation: A trained professional observes the child’s behavior across 15 different areas.
  • Rating: Each area is rated on a scale from 1 (normal) to 4 (severe).
  • Scoring: The ratings are totaled to determine the child’s overall score and autism severity.
Score Range Autism Severity
15-29.5 Non-autistic
30-36.5 Mild to moderate autism
37-60 Severe autism

The CARS helps professionals make accurate diagnoses and develop targeted treatment plans to support kids with autism in reaching their full potential.

This post was originally published on Feb. 6, 2023. It was updated on April 19, 2024.