Assessment Comparison Chart Complete The Chart Below With Th

Assessment Comparison Chart Complete The Chart Below With The N

Compare and analyze five autism assessment tools: ABC (Autism Behavior Checklist), ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), M-CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), and GARS-2 (Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition). For each, detail their description/objective, assessment format, testing type, duration, age suitability, administration methods, examiner requirements, scoring procedures, and reliability measures. Use reputable scholarly and clinical sources to ensure accurate, current information, and include all references in APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

The assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves a variety of tools designed to screen, diagnose, and evaluate the severity of symptoms associated with the condition. Among the most widely used assessments are the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Edition (ADOS-2), Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Gilliam Autism Rating Scale 2nd Edition (GARS-2). Each instrument serves a specific purpose, employs different formats, and requires distinct administration procedures, making their comparison vital for practitioners.

Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC)

The ABC is a screening tool developed to identify behaviors associated with autism. Its primary purpose is to assist professionals in early screening, especially in community settings or preliminary assessments. The ABC utilizes a questionnaire format, comprising 40 items divided into five subscales: sensory, relating, body and object use, language, and social/self-help. Each item is scored on a 4-point Likert scale, indicating the frequency or severity of behaviors (Krug, Arick, & Almond, 2008).

Administration is typically paper-based, with caregivers or teachers completing the questionnaire. The test takes approximately 10-15 minutes, and scoring involves summing subscale or total scores. Examiner requirements are minimal—training is recommended but not obligatory—making it accessible for use by paraprofessionals. Reliability measures, including internal consistency, are high, with Cronbach's alpha above 0.90 (Krug et al., 2008).

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2)

The ADOS-2 is a semi-structured, play-based assessment designed to observe social and communicative behaviors characteristic of autism. Its purpose is diagnostic, providing a gold-standard observational measure for ASD across various modules tailored to age and language level (Lord et al., 2012). The assessment includes different modules—Toddler, Module 1 through 4—each comprising activities that elicit behaviors relevant to diagnosing ASD.

The format involves naturalistic observation combined with specific activities, lasting from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the module. It requires trained clinicians to administer and interpret results. Materials include toys and prompts aligned with each module. Reliability is well-established, with high test-retest and inter-rater reliability coefficients exceeding 0.90 (Lord et al., 2012).)

Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)

The M-CHAT is a parent-completed questionnaire aimed at screening toddlers aged 16-30 months for early signs of autism. Its primary purpose is early detection, facilitating further evaluation and intervention. The assessment includes 20 yes/no questions focusing on social, communicative, and behavioral domains (Robins, Fein, Barton, & Green, 2001).

The assessment is paper-based, takes approximately 5-10 minutes, and is easy to administer. It requires minimal training, making it suitable for pediatricians and caregivers. Scoring involves identifying at-risk responses, prompting follow-up measures. Reliability data demonstrate adequate sensitivity and specificity, with sensitivity estimates around 92%, making it an effective screening tool (Robins et al., 2001).

Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)

The CARS is a clinician-rated instrument that assesses the severity of autism symptoms across 15 behavioral domains, including social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Its primary purpose is to differentiate children with autism from those with other developmental delays and to measure symptom severity (Schopler, Reichler, & Renner, 1988).

This scale employs an observational format supplemented by clinician judgment, with each item rated on a 4-point scale, reflecting the probability of autism. The assessment generally lasts 10-15 minutes and requires a trained clinician. Reliability testing shows high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha > 0.80) and inter-rater reliability (Schopler et al., 1988). Materials involved are minimal—mainly observation forms and checklists.

Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (GARS-2)

The GARS-2 is a standardized rating scale completed by a caregiver or teacher to assess autism symptoms in individuals aged 3-22 years. Its purpose is to assist in screening and diagnosing ASD, providing an estimate of severity. It encompasses three subscales: Communication, Social Interaction, and Restricted/Repetitive Behaviors (Gilliam, 2006).

The instrument is paper-based, with 42 items rated on a 4-point scale. Administration time is approximately 15-20 minutes. It requires minimal training, and scoring is straightforward, with manual calculation or software options. Reliability indices are satisfactory, with internal consistency coefficients over 0.90 and acceptable test-retest reliability (Gilliam, 2006).

Conclusion

The selection of an appropriate autism assessment tool depends on the purpose—screening versus diagnosis, age level, and resource availability. The ABC, M-CHAT, and GARS-2 are primarily screening instruments suitable for broad populations, whereas the ADOS-2 and CARS provide detailed, clinical insights suitable for diagnostic confirmation. Each assessment has demonstrated high reliability when used by trained professionals, emphasizing the importance of proper administration and interpretation in clinical practice.

References

• Gilliam, J. (2006). Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (GARS-2). Pro-Ed.
• Krug, D., Arick, J., & Almond, P. (2008). Autism Behavior Checklist. In J. P. Lord, C. Rutter, & S. Le Couteur (Eds.), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (2nd ed.). Western Psychological Services.
• Lord, C., Rutter, M., DiLavore, P. C., Risi, S.,汁, S., & Pickles, A. (2012). Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). Western Psychological Services.
• Robins, D. L., Fein, D. R., Barton, M. L., & Green, J. A. (2001). The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers: An initial study of its screening effectiveness. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(2), 131–144.
• Schopler, E., Reichler, R. J., & Renner, B. R. (1988). Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Western Psychological Services.