I. Autism Diagnostic Assessment Tools
Autism Diagnostic Interview
The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI) is a semi-structured, investigator-based
interview for caregivers of children and adults for whom autism or pervasive
developmental disorders is a possible diagnosis.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a semi-structured assessment of
communication, social interaction and play or imaginative use of materials for individuals
suspected of having autism or other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD).
Childhood Autism Rating Scale
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was developed by the Treatment and
Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH)
program staff in North Carolina to formalize observations of the child's behavior
throughout the day. This 15-item behavior-rating scale helps to identify children with
autism and to distinguish them from developmentally disabled children who are not
autistic. Brief, convenient, and suitable for use with any child older than two years of age.
Checklist for Autism in Toddlers
The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) is a screening instrument designed to
detect core autistic features to enable treatment as early as eighteen months.
Gilliam Autism Rating Scale
Designed for use by teachers, parents, and professionals, the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale
(GARS) helps to identify and diagnose autism in individuals ages three through twentytwo years and to estimate the severity of the problem.
II. Adaptive Assessment
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) comes in three forms varying in degree
of detail and proposed setting. There is the Survey Form, the Expanded Form, and the
Classroom Edition. The VABS is administered by interviewing the child's parents,
teachers, or care providers.
III. Communication Assessment
Assessing Semantic Skills Through Everyday Themes
The Assessing Semantic Skills Through Everyday Themes (ASSET) is a test of receptive
and expressive semantics for pre- school and early elementary children.
Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test
The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) measures an individual's receptive
vocabulary for standard American English. It measures one facet of general intelligence:
vocabulary. It takes a relatively short period of time to administer and may be used as an
initial screening device.
Infant/Toddler Assessment
Bayley Scales of Infant Development
New norms were recently developed for the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. The
BSID allows diagnostic assessment at an earlier age.
IV. Standardized Tests of Intelligence
Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence
The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) is a frequently used
intelligence test for children from three to seven years of age.
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children
While retaining the basic structure and content of the revised edition, the Wechsler
Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) has up- dated normative data, improved items and
design, and an added optional subtest.
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V. Tests of Nonverbal Intelligence
Columbia Mental Maturity Scale
The Columbia Mental Maturity Scale (CMMS) is useful in evaluating children who have
sensory or motor defects or who have difficulty speaking and, to some extent, reading.
VI. Academic Screening
Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT)
The Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) measures reading, spelling, and arithmetic
in persons from five to seventy-four years old.
VII. Behavior Assessment
Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist
The Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (ACBC) is for children four to eighteen years
old and is completed by an adult informant.
Child Behavior Checklist
The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is a parent-report questionnaire on which the child
is rated on various behavioral and emotional problems.
VIII. Family Assessment
These measures focus primarily on aspects of the family. These instruments are used to
determine pre- and posttest changes and are not specifically used to tailor the course of
individual programming for a family or child.
Family Assessment Interview
The Family Assessment Interview (FAI)
Family Environmental Scale
The Family Environmental Scale (FES)