Navigating the Path to Understanding Your Child’s Unique World
As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. You notice how they play, how they react to people, how they express themselves or maybe, how they don’t.
When something feels different, your instincts tell you to look closer. That’s not fear. That’s love in action.
And if you’ve been hearing terms like “autism assessment” or “CARS test”, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed.
But here’s the truth: Understanding what these tests are actually about gives you power and peace of mind.
At Shaping Therapies in Thane, we’re here to walk this path with you. This guide will explain what the CARS test is, how it works, and how it fits into your child’s overall developmental assessment.
A Quick Look at Autism & Why Early Checks Matter
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how a child communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. Some signs show up early like lack of eye contact, delayed speech, or repetitive behaviors while others are more subtle.
The earlier we understand what your child needs, the sooner we can help them grow, learn, and connect in their own way.
That’s where the CARS test comes in.
What Is the CARS Test?
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is a tool used by professionals to help identify signs of autism in young children. It’s not a blood test or a scan. It’s an observation-based rating scale that looks at how your child behaves across different areas of life.
The goal?
To understand if your child shows signs of autism, and if so, how mild or severe those signs might be.
What Does the CARS Test Look At?
The CARS test covers 15 key areas of your child’s behavior, including:
- How they relate to people (do they respond when called?)
- How they imitate (do they copy actions or sounds?)
- Their emotional response (do they smile, laugh, show emotion?)
- How they use their body and toys
- How they deal with change or routine
- How they see and hear the world
- How they communicate (with or without words)
- Their energy levels and thinking process
It paints a full picture of your child’s development, beyond just speech or behavior.
How Is the CARS Test Done?
Here’s what makes it parent-friendly:
It’s not a test where your child is asked to answer questions or fill in sheets. It’s clinician-led, gentle, and natural.
Here’s how we do it at Shaping Therapies, Thane:
- We observe your child: During play, conversations, and interactions nothing is forced, just watching them be themselves.
- We talk to you: We take your input seriously. We’ll ask about daily routines, milestones, challenges and all the small things that matter.
- We review history: How your child has developed since birth, medically and socially.
Each of the 15 areas scored from 1 to 4 higher scores suggest more signs of autism.
Different Versions of the CARS Test
We use the version that suits your child best:
- CARS2-ST: For most children with developmental concerns
- CARS2-HF: For children who may be verbal or highly functioning but still show signs of ASD
Who Should Consider a CARS Test?
The CARS test is usually done for children ages 2 and above, but sometimes earlier if signs are strong.
Some reasons a CARS test may be recommended:
- Your child avoids eye contact
- Doesn’t respond to name
- Speaks less than expected for their age
- Has repetitive behaviors or strict routines
- Struggles with social interaction
- Shows delayed play or emotional response
If you’ve had concerns, or your child’s teacher or pediatrician has raised questions, a CARS assessment is a great next step.
What Do the Scores Mean?
The CARS test gives a total score between 15 and 60.
| Score Range | What It May Indicate |
| 15 – 29.5 | Within normal range |
| 30 – 36.5 | Mild to moderate autism traits |
| 37 – 60 | Clear signs of severe autism |
⚠️ Important: CARS alone is not a final diagnosis.
It’s part of a full developmental evaluation guided by expert clinical judgment, DSM-5 criteria, and multiple tools.
Why It’s Just One Part of the Process
While CARS gives us great insight, it’s never the whole story.
At Shaping Therapies in Thane, we combine it with:
- Developmental assessments
- Speech and language evaluations
- Occupational therapy screenings
- Adaptive behavior checklists
- Family input and real-life observations
This helps us understand your child not as a “score” but as a whole person with unique strengths and challenges.
So, What Happens Next?
If your child scores in a range that suggests autism, we don’t stop there. We sit down with you. We explain the results. We answer your questions.
And then, we plan the way forward together.
Whether that’s:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Social skills support
- School readiness programs
- Or just continued observation. We’ll guide you, not rush you.
Why Families Trust Shaping Therapies
- Experienced developmental therapists & psychologists
- A calm, kid-friendly assessment space
- 1:1 support throughout the process
- Transparent communication no jargon, no pressure
- Focus on what your child can do, not just what they can’t
Worried About Your Child’s Development? Let’s Talk.
Some signs to watch for:
- Little to no eye contact
- Delayed speech or silence
- No pointing or showing objects
- Repetitive play
- Unusual reactions to touch, sound, or routine
If any of this sounds familiar, we’re here to help not label.
You don’t need to figure it all out on your own.
👉 Schedule a Developmental Assessment at Shaping Therapies, Thane
👉 Call us: +91 9987361656 / +91 22 4036 8442
👉 Visit: https://www.shapingtherapies.com/
Conclusion: You’re Not Alone in This
The CARS test is a helpful tool not a label, not a verdict.
It’s the beginning of understanding how your child sees the world.
At Shaping Therapies, Thane, we’re committed to walking alongside families with clarity, compassion, and care.
Your child deserves the support to thrive. And you deserve answers, not more questions. Let’s take that first step together.
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