Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2)
What does Childhood Autism Rating Scale mean?
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition, or CARS-2, is a tool that trained professionals may use to help understand autism-related characteristics in a child based on structured observation and information gathered about the child. It looks at a range of behaviours and skills to help clinicians form a fuller picture of a child's profile. The CARS-2 is one of several tools a professional might choose to include as part of a broader autism assessment.
Why this term matters
Knowing that tools like the CARS-2 may be part of an assessment process can help families feel more informed and comfortable when asking their assessment team questions about how conclusions are being reached. Assessment results, including those from the CARS-2, often form part of the documentation that schools and support programs use to plan appropriate services for your child.
Canadian context
The CARS-2 may be used by clinicians across Canada, though the specific tools chosen for an assessment vary depending on the clinician, the clinic, and the child's age and profile. If you would like to know which tools are being used in your child's assessment, it is always reasonable to ask the assessing professional.
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