What Is the CARS Autism Screening?

PostedNovember 7, 2025

UpdatedNovember 7, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

The CARS autism screening (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) is a widely used tool designed to assess the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The CARS is a behaviour assessment that evaluates a child’s behaviours, social interactions, communication, and responses to sensory input, providing valuable insights for healthcare providers. It is often used as a diagnosis aid to help confirm the presence of autism and determine its severity.

The CARS is typically completed by a trained professional who observes the child’s behaviour and interacts with them in various settings. By scoring the child on a scale of 1 to 4 for each of the 15 areas assessed, the tool helps to provide a comprehensive picture of the child’s autism traits, which can aid in the development of an appropriate intervention plan.

How the CARS Autism Screening Works

Here’s how the CARS autism screening operates:

Childhood Autism Rating Scale:

The CARS consists of 15 items that assess key behaviours associated with autism, such as social relationships, communication, sensory sensitivity, and overall developmental level. These areas are scored based on the child’s observable behaviours and reactions to various stimuli.

Behaviour Assessment:

The behaviour assessment involves observations made during structured interactions with the child. The evaluator looks at how the child responds to social cues, their level of verbal and non-verbal communication, their engagement in activities, and their ability to adapt to changes in routine.

Diagnosis Aid:

The CARS is not a diagnostic tool on its own, but it is a diagnosis aid that helps professionals determine whether a child’s behaviour aligns with autism spectrum disorder. The results provide a clearer picture of the child’s needs and can guide the next steps in treatment and intervention.

The CARS autism screening is an important tool for assessing the presence and severity of autism in children. For expert advice and personalised consultations, visit providers like Autism Detect to help you navigate the diagnostic process and ensure the best support for your child.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Autism Screening and Assessment Tools.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.