Childhood Autism Rating Scale - 2 (CARS-2)
Authors: Eric Schopler, PhD / Mary E. Van Bourgondien, PhD / Glenna Janette Wellman, PhD / Steven R. Love, PhD
Description
The CARS-2 identifies individuals with autism, based on direct observation. It discriminates between autism and severe cognitive deficits. This new edition is also more responsive to those on the high-functioning end of the spectrum. The Standard Version Rating Booklet and the High-Functioning Version Rating Booklet each address 15 functional areas.
Both the standard and high functioning versions address the following areas:
- Relating to People
- Imitation (ST); SocialEmotional Understanding (HF)
- Emotional Response (ST); Emotional Expression and Regulation of Emotions (HF)
- Body Use
- Object Use (ST); Object Use in Play (HF)
- Adaptation to Change (ST); Adaptation to Change/Restricted Interests (HF)
- Visual Response
- Listening Response
- Fear or Nervousness (ST); Fear or Anxiety (HF))
- Verbal Communication
- Nonverbal Communication
- Activity Level (ST); Thinking/Cognitive Integration Skills (HF)
- Level and Consistency of Intellectual Response
- General Impressions
A questionnaire for Parents or Caregivers is also included. The CARS-2-QPC is an unscored form completed by the parent or caregiver of the individual being assessed. Its purpose is to give the clinician more information on which to base CARS-2-ST or CARS-2-HF ratings. The areas covered by the CARS-2-QPC include the individuals early development; social, emotional, and communication skills; repetitive behaviors; play and routines; and unusual sensory interests.
Administration and Scoring
The CARS-2 takes 5-10 minutes to administer. Raw scores are interpreted in terms of cutoff scores, standard scores, and percentiles.
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