Childhood Autism Spectrum Test

Childhood Autism Spectrum Test
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Purpose	Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder in children
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The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST), formerly known as the Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test, is a screening tool used to identify children who may be on the autism spectrum. It is designed for use with children aged 4 to 11 years and is typically completed by parents or primary caregivers.

Development and Purpose

The CAST was developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge's Autism Research Centre. The primary aim of the test is to provide a simple, quick, and effective method for identifying children who may require further assessment for autism spectrum disorders. The test consists of 37 yes/no questions that focus on social and communication skills, as well as repetitive behaviors, which are characteristic of autism.

Structure of the Test

The CAST includes questions that assess various aspects of a child's behavior and development. Some of the key areas covered by the test include:

• Social interaction: Questions about how the child interacts with peers and adults.
• Communication: Questions about the child's ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally.
• Imagination: Questions about the child's imaginative play and creativity.
• Repetitive behaviors: Questions about any repetitive actions or routines the child may have.

Scoring and Interpretation

Each question on the CAST is answered with a "yes" or "no" response. The responses are then scored, with higher scores indicating a greater likelihood of autism spectrum disorder. A score above a certain threshold suggests that the child should be referred for a more comprehensive diagnostic assessment by a specialist.

Limitations

While the CAST is a useful screening tool, it is not a diagnostic test. It is important to note that a high score on the CAST does not confirm a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Instead, it indicates that further evaluation by a healthcare professional is warranted.

Research and Validation

The CAST has been validated in several studies and is widely used in both clinical and research settings. It has been shown to have good sensitivity and specificity for identifying children who may be on the autism spectrum.

Also see

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Asperger Syndrome
• Screening and Diagnosis of Autism
• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule