Overview
The CARS-2 is a clinician-rated scale that distinguishes children with autism from those with other developmental delays and rates symptom severity. It includes Standard and High-Functioning forms plus a Questionnaire for Parents or Caregivers.
Use cases
Screening, severity tracking, and outcome measurement in autism intervention trials.
Assessment intelligence
- Score range
- 15 – 60
- Direction
- Higher = worse
- Scoring method
- Sum
- Time to score
- ~20 min
- CARS2-ST Total15-60
| Severity | Threshold | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Non-autistic | <30 | Symptoms not in the autistic range |
| Mild-moderate | 30-36.5 | Mild to moderate symptoms of autism |
| Severe | ≥37 | Severe symptoms of autism |
Companion CARS2-HF used for high-functioning individuals.
Editorial notes
Internal consistency alpha ~0.93; strong concordance with ADOS-2 and ADI-R classifications.
Available languages
Validation studies (2)
- CARS-2 in differentiating ASD from other developmental delaysSchopler E, Van Bourgondien M. · Journal of Developmental Disorders · 2010DOI: 10.1037/t06330-000
- High-functioning variant of the CARS-2: validationMayes SD. · Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders · 2011DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2011.04.001
Related assessments
Gold-standard semi-structured observation for ASD diagnosis across the lifespan.
M-CHAT-R/FTwo-stage parent-report autism screener for toddlers.
SRS-2Quantitative rating of autistic social impairment, lifespan coverage.
ADI-RStandardized parent interview pairing with ADOS-2 for ASD diagnosis.
RAADS-RThe Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale – Revised (RAADS-R) is an 80-item self-report questionnaire designed to identify autism in adults (18 years or older). Developed by Ritvo et al. (2011) as a revision of the original RAADS, it was created to address the growing need for validated assessment tools specifically designed for adult populations, where autism presentations may differ from those typically seen in childhood.