CARS2 Questionnaire for Parents or Caregivers

Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS2)

Since its original publication, the CARS has become one of the most widely used and empirically validated autism assessments. It has proven especially effective in discriminating between children with autism and those with severe cognitive deficits, and in distinguishing mild-to-moderate from severe autism.

Now a revised Second Edition expands the test's clinical value, making it more responsive to individuals on the "high-functioning" end of the autism spectrum--those with average or higher IQ scores, better verbal skills, and more subtle social and behavioral deficits. While retaining the simplicity, brevity, and clarity of the original test, the CARS2 adds forms and features that help you integrate diagnostic information, determine functional capabilities, provide feedback to parents, and design targeted intervention.

Questionnaire for Parents or Caregivers (CARS2-QPC)
An unscored scale that gathers information for use in making CARS2-ST and CARS2-HF ratings

The Questionnaire for Parents or Caregivers
The CARS2-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 CARS2-ST or CARS2-HF ratings. Often the questionnaire serves as the framework for a follow-up interview, during which the clinician can clarify and interpret the responses provided by the parent or caregiver.
The areas covered by the CARS2-QPC include the individual's early development; social, emotional, and communication skills; repetitive behaviors; play and routines; and unusual sensory interests.

The Best Way to Inform and Support Diagnosis
The new CARS2 is extremely useful in identifying symptoms of autism.

1. It covers the entire autism spectrum, as defined by empirical research.
2. It is based on decades of use with thousands of referred individuals.
3. It assesses virtually all ages and functional levels.
4. It provides concise, objective, and quantifiable ratings based on direct behavioral observation.
5. Scores show a consistent, strong, positive, and specific relationship with autism diagnosis.
6. Ratings are reliable across time, settings, sources of information, and raters.

With a new form for higher-functioning individuals, a structured way to gather caregiver information, and guidelines linking scores to intervention, the CARS2 remains one of the best autism assessments available.