Note- In Microsoft word you will need to do a find and replace for:
-@ (for student’s first name)
-shhe (for she or he)
-himher (for him or her)
-hisher (for his or her)
Childhood Autism Rating Scale- 2nd Edition
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale- 2nd Edition (CARS-2) is an assessment of childhood
symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. There are two components: the CARS-2 standard,
and the CARS-2 high functioning. In addition, there is a questionnaire for parents or
caregivers that can be used to help form ratings. The CARS-2 ST and CARS-2 HF each
include 15 items that ask respondents to rate an individual in key areas related to autism
diagnosis. For each form, total score cutoff values are provided that help to determine
whether further comprehensive evaluation for the presence of autism is warranted. Each
category is rated on a scale from 1-4, and a total sum is then converted into a T-score which
corresponds to a severity range.
For the purpose of this assessment, the CARS-2 ST/CARS-2 HF (pick one, delete whichever
table is not applicable) was administered to @. Sources of data included observations in x
setting and interviews with xxxx.
CARS-2 HF Category Score Range
Social-Emotional Understanding Minimal to No Symptoms of ASD
Emotional Expression & Regulation Mild to Moderate Symptoms of ASD
Relating to People Severe Symptoms of ASD
Body Use
Object Use in Play
Adaptation to Change/Restricted
Interests
Visual Response
Listening Response
Taste, Smell, Touch Response & Use
Fear or Anxiety
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Thinking/Cognitive Integration Skills
Level & Consistency of Intellectual
Response
General Impressions
Minimal to No Symptoms of ASD
Mild to Moderate Symptoms of
ASD
Total Severe Symptoms of ASD
The following areas were within the typical range, indicating minimal to no symptoms of
autism spectrum disorder (ratings under 2.0): (delete what is not needed)
Social-Emotional Understanding
Emotional Expression & Regulation
Relating to People
Body Use
Object Use in Play
Adaptation to Change/Restricted Interests
Visual Response
Listening Response
Taste, Smell, Touch Response & Use
Fear or Anxiety
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Thinking/Cognitive Integration Skills
Level & Consistency of Intellectual Response
General Impressions
The following areas were within the mild to moderate range, indicating notable
characteristics related to autism spectrum disorder (ratings of 2.0 or 2.5): (delete what is
not needed)
Social-Emotional Understanding
Emotional Expression & Regulation
Relating to People
Body Use
Object Use in Play
Adaptation to Change/Restricted Interests
Visual Response
Listening Response
Taste, Smell, Touch Response & Use
Fear or Anxiety
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Thinking/Cognitive Integration Skills
Level & Consistency of Intellectual Response
General Impressions
The following areas were rated as within the severe or significant range (ratings of 3.0 or
greater): (delete what is not needed)
Social-Emotional Understanding
Emotional Expression & Regulation
Relating to People
Body Use
Object Use in Play
Adaptation to Change/Restricted Interests
Visual Response
Listening Response
Taste, Smell, Touch Response & Use
Fear or Anxiety
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Thinking/Cognitive Integration Skills
Level & Consistency of Intellectual Response
General Impressions
CARS-2 ST Category Score Range
Relating to People Minimal to No Symptoms of ASD
Imitation Mild to Moderate Symptoms of ASD
Emotional Response Severe Symptoms of ASD
Body Use
Object Use
Adaptation to Change
Visual Response
Listening Response
Taste, Smell, Touch Response & Use
Fear or Nervousness
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Activity Level
Level & Consistency of Intellectual
Response
General Impressions
Minimal to No Symptoms of ASD
Mild to Moderate Symptoms of
ASD
Total Severe Symptoms of ASD
The following areas were within the typical range, indicating minimal to no symptoms of
autism spectrum disorder (ratings under 2.0): (delete what is not needed)
Relating to People
Imitation
Emotional Response
Body Use
Object Use
Adaptation to Change
Visual Response
Listening Response
Taste, Smell, Touch Response & Use
Fear or Nervousness
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Activity Level
Level & Consistency of Intellectual Response
General Impressions
The following areas were within the mild to moderate range, indicating notable
characteristics related to autism spectrum disorder (ratings of 2.0 or 2.5): (delete what is
not needed)
Relating to People
Imitation
Emotional Response
Body Use
Object Use
Adaptation to Change
Visual Response
Listening Response
Taste, Smell, Touch Response & Use
Fear or Nervousness
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Activity Level
Level & Consistency of Intellectual Response
General Impressions
The following areas were rated as within the severe or significant range (ratings of 3.0 or
greater): (delete what is not needed)
Relating to People
Imitation
Emotional Response
Body Use
Object Use
Adaptation to Change
Visual Response
Listening Response
Taste, Smell, Touch Response & Use
Fear or Nervousness
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Activity Level
Level & Consistency of Intellectual Response
General Impressions
Interpretive categories associated with CARS-2 ST or CARS-2 HF total T-score ranges are as follows:
T-Score Range Description
Extreme level of autism-related symptoms compared to those
>70 with an autism diagnosis
Very high level of autism-related symptoms compared to
60-70 those with an autism diagnosis
High level of autism-related symptoms compared to those
55-59 with an autism diagnosis
Average level of autism-related symptoms compared to those
45-54 with an autism diagnosis
Low level of autism-related symptoms compared to those
40-44 with an autism diagnosis
25-39 Very low level of autism-related symptoms compared to
those with an autism diagnosis
Minimal to no autism-related symptoms compared to those
<25 with an autism diagnosis
The total T-scores have a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. Meaning, the average range is
from 40-60, when compared to individuals with an autism diagnosis. Overall, @’s scores placed
himher in the XXXX range of autism related symptoms compared to those with an autism diagnosis.
This is consistent with xxx previous diagnosis or xxx report.
@’s observed pattern of atypical behavior was consistent with his parents’ report of his early
development and current behavior at home. The pattern is also consistent with his teacher’s report
of his current social and communication behavior at school.
Or
@’s observed pattern of behavior is not consistent with an autism spectrum disorder at this time.
Hisher behavior is better explained by hisher diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
or xxx. Although shhe exhibited some behaviors that could fall under the autism spectrum, XXX
other behaviors suggest that the more likely explanation is XXX
