CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale)

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is a tool used by professionals to assess the severity of autism in children. It involves observing and rating behaviors across different areas such as social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Each area is scored on a scale, and the total score helps determine how mild, moderate, or severe the autism is. The goal of CARS is to provide an objective measurement to guide diagnosis and intervention planning. It is based on behavioral observations and can be used for children of different ages to better understand their needs.