Expression of Autism Spectrum Traits

The Child Autism Spectrum Test (CAST)

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world around them. It is typically characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASD is often diagnosed in early childhood, although some individuals may receive a diagnosis later in life. It is important to note that ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means it manifests differently in each individual. Some children with autism may have difficulties with social skills, verbal and nonverbal communication, and sensory sensitivities, and may engage in repetitive behaviors. Others may demonstrate exceptional abilities in specific areas, such as memory or attention to detail. If you suspect that your child may have autism, seeking a professional evaluation and diagnosis is crucial in order to provide appropriate support and interventions tailored to their specific needs.

Who is this screener for?

This screener is for parents or guardians that suspect their child may be displaying signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder. It offers an indication that it may be beneficial to proceed with a formal evaluation. The CAST is designed to assess risk for ASD in children between the ages of 4 to 11 years.

It is one of several different autism screeners designed for children and can help in determining if autism support or treatment may be beneficial for your child and/or how to proceed regarding an evaluation or diagnosis.

How to complete the screener:
Please read the following 39 questions carefully and choose the appropriate answer.

The results of this screener are by no means an indicator that your child has ASD, the screener only assesses risk and is a tool to help you learn more about your child and guide you on next steps.

Your responses and results are private unless you choose to share them. We will not be gathering your information or results. If you’d like a copy of your results, after you click Results, you can download your score report. If you choose to meet with a psychologist, these results will be helpful to share, so please save them.

Let’s get you started

1. Does s/he join in playing games with other children easily?
Yes
No

2. Does s/he come up to you spontaneously for a chat?
Yes
No

3. Was s/he speaking by 2 years old?
Yes
No

4. Does s/he enjoy sports?
Yes
No

5. Is it important to him/her to fit in with the peer group?
Yes
No

6. Does s/he appear to notice unusual details that others miss?
Yes
No

7. Does s/he tend to take things literally?
Yes
No

8. When s/he was 3 years old, did s/he spend a lot of time pretending (e.g., play-acting being a superhero, or holding teddy's tea parties)?
Yes
No

9. Does s/he like to do things over and over again, in the same way all the time?
Yes
No

10. Does s/he find it easy to interact with other children?
Yes
No

11. Can s/he keep a two-way conversation going?
Yes
No

12. Can s/he read appropriately for his/her age?
Yes
No

13. Does s/he mostly have the same interests as his/her peers?
Yes
No

14. Does s/he have an interest which takes up so much time that s/he does little else?
Yes
No

15. Does s/he have friends, rather than just acquaintances?
Yes
No

16. Does s/he often bring you things s/he is interested in to show you?
Yes
No

17. Does s/he enjoy joking around?
Yes
No

18. Does s/he have difficulty understanding the rules for polite behavior?
Yes
No

19. Does s/he appear to have an unusual memory for details?
Yes
No

20. Is his/her voice unusual (e.g., overly adult, flat, or very monotonous)?
Yes
No

21. Are people important to him/her?
Yes
No

22. Can s/he dress him/herself?
Yes
No

23. Is s/he good at turn-taking in conversation?
Yes
No

24. Does s/he play imaginatively with other children, and engage in role-play?
Yes
No

25. Does s/he often do or say things that are tactless or socially inappropriate?
Yes
No

26. Can s/he count to 50 without leaving out any numbers?
Yes
No

27. Does s/he make normal eye-contact?
Yes
No

28. Does s/he have any unusual and repetitive movements?
Yes
No

29. Is his/her social behavior very one-sided and always on his/her own terms?
Yes
No

30. Does s/he sometimes say “you” or “s/he” when s/he means “I”?
Yes
No

31. Does s/he prefer imaginative activities such as play-acting or story-telling, rather than numbers or lists of facts?
Yes
No

32. Does s/he sometimes lose the listener because of not explaining what s/he is talking about?
Yes
No

33. Can s/he ride a bicycle (even if with stabilizers)?
Yes
No

34. Does s/he try to impose routines on him/herself, or on others, in such a way that it causes problems?
Yes
No

35. Does s/he care how s/he is perceived by the rest of the group?
Yes
No

36. Does s/he often turn conversations to his/her favorite subject rather than following what the other person wants to talk about?
Yes
No

37. Does s/he have odd or unusual phrases?
Yes
No

38. Have teachers/health visitors ever expressed any concerns about his/her development?
Yes
No

39. Has s/he ever been diagnosed with any of the following: Language delay, ADHD, hearing or visual difficulties, Autism Spectrum Condition (including Asperger’s Syndrome, or a physical disability?
Yes
No

Reminder: Your responses and results are private unless you choose to share them. We will not be gathering your information or results. If you’d like a copy of your results, after you click Results, you can download your score report.
If you choose to meet with a psychologist, these results will be helpful to share, so please save them.

What does my score mean?​

CAST - The Child Autism Spectrum Test
5 or less
5 - 14
15+
You scored within typical range

This score indicates your child has a low to no risk of autism. If this still remains an area of concern for you, you can rescreen at 24 months if the child is younger than 2 years old (or after 3 months has elapsed).

Keep an eye on it

The score is indicates your child has a moderate risk of autism. This score suggests this is an area worth investigating further. We have psychologists who can work with you to examine this area more deeply, and we also have therapists and coaches available that can help provide support. Lauren, our team’s Care Coordinator, is here to answer any of your questions.

This area needs attention

The score suggests this area needs attention. Contact Lauren, our team’s Care Coordinator, if you’re interested in a free consultation and to discuss options for the next steps. If you are comfortable, include the results in your e-mail. We are here to help.

You can download your results by clicking the arrow below.

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