In February, 2010, The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2) by Eric Schopler, Ph.D., Mary E. Van Bourgondien, Ph.D., Glenna Janette Wellman, Ph.D., and Steven R. Love, Ph.D. was published by Western Psychological Services (WPS). Since its original publication, the CARS-2 has become one of the most widely used and empirically validated autism assessments. It has proven especially effective in discriminating between children with autism and those with severe cognitive deficits, and in distinguishing mild-to-moderate from severe autism.

During this one day training participants will learn how the revised 2nd edition expands the test’s clinical value, making it more responsive to individuals on the “high-functioning” end of the autism spectrum – those with average or higher IQ scores, better verbal skills, and more subtle social and behavioral deficits.

• Retains the simplicity, brevity, and clarity of the original test
• Adds forms and features that help integrate diagnostic information, determine functional capabilities, provide feedback to parents, and design targeted intervention.
• Highlighting the newest aspect of this measure (CARS-2 High Functioning version)
• Will become familiar with how to use the three forms included in the CARS-2:

1) Standard Version Rating Booklet (CARS-2-ST) Equivalent to the original CARS; for use with individuals younger than six years of age and those with communication difficulties or below-average estimated IQs.

2) High-Functioning Version Rating Booklet (CARS-2-HF) An alternative for assessing verbally fluent individuals, six years of age and older, with IQ scores above 80.

3) Questionnaire for Parents or Caregivers (CARS-2-QPC) An unscored form completed by the parent or caregiver of the individual being assessed and include the individual’s early development; social, emotional, and communication skills; repetitive behaviors; play and routines; and unusual sensory interests.

Learn how it is useful in identifying symptoms of autism:

• It covers the entire autism spectrum, as defined by empirical research.
• It is based on decades of use with thousands of referred individuals.
• It assesses virtually all ages and functional levels.
• It provides concise, objective, and quantifiable ratings based on direct behavioral observation.
• Scores show a consistent, strong, positive, and specific relationship with autism diagnosis.
• Ratings are reliable across time, settings, sources of information, and raters.

This training is suitable for:  Evaluation personnel (SLPs, OTs, LSSPs, Ed Diagnosticians, Social Workers, Behavior Specialists) and those who are conducting assessments and comprehensive team-based assessments in public school settings, early intervention agencies, etc.  This training is also suitable for educators and special educators working with students with Autism.

Workshop conducted by:  Dr. Jan Schaefer, BCBA-D and CEO of Collaborative Autism Resources and Education, LLC (CARE, LLC) has extensive experience evaluating and treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the age span. She is a “research reliable” administrator of the ADOS-2.  She and her team provide consultative services to school districts and other entities across the US and she also owns a behavioral health agency providing in-home and community-based services to individuals with ASD and their families utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and other evidenced-based practices.