CARS

The CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) is a behaviour observation scale originally developed for diagnosing early childhood autism. The 2016 S3 guideline on diagnostics called it the oldest instrument that assesses features of autism by means of semi-standardised behaviour observation. It can be used from about the age of two into adulthood; a revision (CARS-2) contains new tasks specifically for people with “high-functioning” autism (the guideline’s term), for which there were no validity data at the time. ^{[1, Ch. B.4.6]} In a recommendation (grade B) it named the CARS, alongside the ADOS, as an instrument that can be used for preschool and primary school children; none of the instruments listed was recommended as obligatory, and for adults it recommended no instrument at the time. ^{[1, Rec. 24]} The guideline has expired (“valid until 04.04.2021”). ^[2]

The CARS does not replace assessment: individual procedures are building blocks of a process with conversation, observation and distinction from other explanations. More: ADOS-2, ADI-R and screening and How an autism assessment works. See also ADOS-2.

Sources and literature

1. DGKJP/DGPPN et al.: Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter, Teil 1: Diagnostik. Interdisziplinäre S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-018, Stand Text 23.02.2016. https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/028-018l_S3_Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerungen_ASS-Diagnostik_2016-05-abgelaufen.pdf
2. DGKJP: Aktuelle Leitlinien (Übersicht mit AWMF-Registernummer und Gültigkeitsdatum). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/