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Childhood Autism Rating Scale
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About Scale Name
Scale Name
Childhood Autism Rating Scale
Author Details
Eric Schopler and Robert Reichler
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was developed by Eric Schopler and Robert Reichler in the early 1970s. The CARS was designed as an observational tool to aid in the diagnosis of autism in children, and to assess the severity of symptoms.
The CARS consists of 15 items that are rated on a 4-point scale, ranging from “1” (within normal limits) to “4” (severely abnormal). The 15 items are grouped into two categories: behavior relating to social interaction, and behavior relating to communication, sensory and motor skills. The items include things like quality of eye contact, response to name, use of gestures, and motor coordination.
The CARS is intended to be used by professionals who have experience working with children with autism, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, and special education teachers. It is important to note that the CARS should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool, but rather as one part of a comprehensive evaluation process.
Over the years, the CARS has been revised and updated to improve its reliability and validity. Today, it remains one of the most widely used assessment tools for autism spectrum disorders in children.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is typically administered by a trained professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, speech-language pathologist, or special education teacher, who has experience working with children with autism. The administration of the CARS involves observing the child and rating their behaviors on the 15 items included in the scale.
Each item is rated on a 4-point scale, ranging from “1” (within normal limits) to “4” (severely abnormal). Ratings are based on the observer’s direct observations of the child’s behavior during the assessment session, as well as information gathered from parents, caregivers, and other professionals who have interacted with the child.
Once all of the items have been rated, the scores are totaled and compared to a standardized cutoff score. The cutoff score varies depending on the age and developmental level of the child being assessed. Scores that fall above the cutoff indicate a higher likelihood of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
Interpretation of the CARS should be done in conjunction with other diagnostic and evaluation measures, as it is not meant to be used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool. It is important to note that cultural and linguistic differences may impact the interpretation of CARS results, and they should be used with caution in diverse populations.
Reliability and Validity
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) has been found to have good reliability and validity in identifying autism spectrum disorders in children. Reliability refers to the consistency of results when the assessment is administered multiple times by different raters, while validity refers to the accuracy of the assessment in measuring what it is intended to measure.
Several studies have reported good inter-rater reliability for the CARS, meaning that different raters who use the scale tend to score the same behaviors consistently. Additionally, studies have found high levels of agreement between CARS scores and other diagnostic measures such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), indicating good convergent validity.
There is also evidence to support the validity of the CARS in distinguishing between children with autism and those with other developmental disorders or typically developing children. However, it is important to note that the CARS should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool and should always be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive evaluation.
Available Versions
15-Items
Reference
Schopler, E., Reichler, R. J., & Renner, B. R. (2010). The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS2). Western Psychological Services.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the CARS?
A: The CARS is used to aid in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in children, and to assess the severity of symptoms.
Q: Who administers the CARS?
A: The CARS is typically administered by a trained professional who has experience working with children with autism, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, speech-language pathologist, or special education teacher.
Q: How is the CARS scored?
A: Each item on the CARS is rated on a 4-point scale, ranging from “1” (within normal limits) to “4” (severely abnormal). The ratings are based on the observer’s direct observations of the child’s behavior during the assessment session, as well as information gathered from parents, caregivers, and other professionals.
Q: Is the CARS a stand-alone diagnostic tool for autism?
A: No, the CARS should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool, but rather as one part of a comprehensive evaluation process that includes other assessment measures.
Q: How reliable and valid is the CARS?
A: The CARS has been found to have good reliability and validity in identifying autism spectrum disorders in children. However, it should be used appropriately and in conjunction with other assessment measures.
Q: Is the CARS available in languages other than English?
A: Yes, the CARS has been translated into several languages and is available in many countries around the world. However, translations may not always be culturally appropriate or accurate and should be used with caution.
Q: Can parents or caregivers administer the CARS at home?
A: No, the CARS should only be administered by a trained professional who has experience working with children with autism.
Special Thanks
To Mr. Muhammad Mujtaba for Preparing this information regarding Childhood Autism Rating Scale
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