CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale)

The CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) is a clinician-administered assessment scale measuring autism severity across 15 domains. Score 15–60; ≥30 autism range; ≥37 severe. One of the most widely used autism assessment tools worldwide. Schopler et al. (1988).

What is the Childhood Autism Rating Scale?

The CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) is a standardized clinician-administered assessment tool developed by Schopler, Reichler, and Renner (1988) to diagnose autism spectrum disorder and quantify symptom severity across a broad age range. The current edition, CARS-2, includes three forms tailored to different clinical presentations:

• CARS2-ST (Standard), for children ages 2–6, or older children with an IQ of 79 or below, or limited verbal ability
• CARS2-HF (Verbally Fluent Form), for children age 6 and above with an IQ above 79 and some verbal ability; captures subtler features of ASD
• CARS2-QPC (Questionnaire for Parents and Caregivers), a complementary questionnaire for parents and caregivers to provide collateral information

Each of the 15 subscales is rated by the clinician on a 7-point scale (1 = within normal limits to 4 = severely abnormal), with half-point increments allowed. The total score ranges from 15 to 60. Scores below 30 fall in the non-autism range; 30–36.5 indicate mild to moderate autism; 37 or above indicate severe autism. The CARS has demonstrated strong inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity with DSM-5-TR diagnosis criteria and ICD-11 classification.

The CARS-2 is proprietary and published by Western Psychological Services (WPS). Clinical administration requires appropriate training. It is widely used in diagnostic clinics, schools, early intervention programs, and research settings worldwide. The CARS is not a replacement for full diagnostic evaluation but is a validated tool to support the diagnostic process and quantify autism severity for treatment planning and outcome monitoring.

CARS-2 Score Interpreter

The CARS-2 is a clinician-administered scale. Enter the total score (15–60) assigned by the evaluating clinician to see the corresponding severity classification.

Educational reference only. CARS-2 is © Western Psychological Services, clinician administration required. This tool does not substitute for a full autism diagnostic evaluation.

CARS-2 Score Interpretation

Schopler, Van Bourgondien, Wellman & Love (2010). CARS-2 replaces the original CARS (1988). Scoring in 7-point scale (1 to 4, with half-points). The CARS2-HF uses the same 15-to-60 scoring range but is calibrated for higher-functioning presentations with subtler ASD features.

CARS-2 Rating Domains (15 Subscales)

CARS-2 vs. Other Autism Assessment Tools

Neurodevelopmental Outcome Tracking in HiBoop

CARS-2 alongside Vanderbilt ADHD, ASRS, SCARED, and PHQ-A, automated scoring and longitudinal outcome tracking for autism, ADHD, and neurodevelopmental conditions across your patient panel.