This article introduces the Children’s Autism Spectrum Test (CAST), a parent-report questionnaire designed to screen Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children aged 4 to 11 years. It consists of 37 questions that evaluate social interaction, communication and repetitive behavior. The purpose of CAST is to identify children who may require further evaluation and to determine whether further evaluation is required based on the score interpretation. A higher score indicates the greater the likelihood of having ASD, usually with 15 points as the distinction limit. Essentially, CAST is an early screening tool for initially identifying children who may need a more comprehensive autism assessment.
Many parents often search:
- 'How to test autism in children?'
- “What are the early symptoms of autism in children?”
- 'Where is the Chinese version of the CAST scale?'
This article will provide you with a comprehensive interpretation of CAST testing .
What is a CAST scale? Core analysis of authoritative screening tools
The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) was formerly the 'Childhood Autism Spectrum Test', which is a professional screening tool for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children aged 4-11 years old, also known as the 'Social and Communication Development Questionnaire'.
CAST was originally called the Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test , developed by a team of experts at the Autism Research Center (ARC) of the University of Cambridge. The main researchers include Fiona J Scott, Simon Baron-Cohen, Patrick Bolton and Carol Brayne .
The original intention of the CAST scale is:
- Providing the possibility of early identification of autism in non-clinical settings (e.g., schools, communities, families).
- Provide parents and teachers with simple and easy-to-use questionnaire formats to help discover abnormalities in social communication.
As a standardized questionnaire developed by a professional team, it systematically evaluates the core dimensions of children's social interaction, communication skills, imaginative games and repetitive behavior through objective feedback from parents or caregivers, providing scientific reference for early identification of ASD risks. This assessment is supported by PsycTest Quiz.
PsycTest Quiz: Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) Free Online Test
CAST scale download: The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) Psychological scale download.pdf (Access password: 4780)
Core advantages of the CAST scale: Why choose it for early screening of autism in children?
1. Targeted coverage of key developmental stages
Designed for children aged 4-11, it accurately captures the behavioral characteristics of the rapid development of social and communication skills. This stage is the 'golden window' of autism intervention, and early screening can significantly improve the intervention effect.
2. Scientific reliability and standardized scoring
31 of the 39 questions were included in the total score (0-31 points). The higher the score, the more obvious the difference in social and communication function development. The remaining 8 non-scoring items were used to supplement the general developmental background (such as 'whether you can speak at the age of 2').
3. Easy to operate and flexible scenes
The right and wrong questionnaire filled out by parents/carers or teachers takes a short time (about 4 minutes) and can be easily completed in primary health care institutions, schools or family scenarios, without registration, completely free, lowering the screening threshold.
CAST Children's Autism Spectrum Test Scale Applicable Population and Test Process
Children's Autism Spectrum Test CAST Scale Applicable Population
- Age range: Children aged 4-11 , especially suitable for children with potential manifestations such as social interaction difficulties, slow communication, and stereotyped interests;
- Scenario needs: Parents/teachers observe scenarios such as children's social or behavioral abnormalities, kindergarten/school development monitoring, routine screening of children's health care.
CAST scale usage process for children with autism spectrum test
1. Fill in the questionnaire : 39 right and wrong questions were completed by the parents/main caregivers based on the performance of the child (such as 'whether the chat is initiated on the initiative' and 'whether there are repeated actions' and so on);
2. Results classification :
- 0-11 points: Typical development—the social communication function is consistent with that of children of the same age;
- 12-14 points: Moderate developmental differences—need for targeted social/behavioral support;
- 15-31 points: Significant developmental differences - further professional diagnostic evaluation is recommended;
3. Professional interpretation : Combined with gender percentile (boys usually score higher than girls) and multi-channel feedback, professionals are comprehensively judged.
CAST vs Other Autism Screening Tools: Why is it more suitable for non-clinical scenarios?
| Screening tools | Core Differences | Applicable age | Applicable scenarios | Comparison of advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAST | Questions 39, 31 questions score, focusing on social/communication behaviors aged 4-11 | 4-11 years old | Routine screening for kindergartens, schools, and families | Stable reliability and efficiency, easy operation, suitable for large-scale initial screening and long-term monitoring |
| Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) | Question 40, focusing on behavioral assessment of clinical suspected cases | 4 years old+ | Hospital outpatient clinics, children with obvious symptoms | Complementary with CAST, high scores (≥15 points) indicate high risk |
| M-CHAT | Question 23, for early development signals of infants and young children | 16-30 months | Children's health clinic, primary screening for young children | Suitable for earlier stages (1.5-2.5 years old) to quickly investigate basic development risks |
PsycTest Quiz free psychological test recommendation:
- Childhood Autism Spectrum Test: CAST Scale Online Test
- Infant and Toddler Autism (Autism) Screening Scale M-CHAT-R Free Online Assessment
- Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50) Online Test (Adult Version)
Parental practice guide: Key tips for filling out CAST questionnaire
- Based on real observation : Based on daily performance in the past three months, avoid subjective speculation (such as 'whether you like to do the same thing repeatedly' needs to be recorded in daily behavior);
- Pay attention to detailed behaviors : subtle social clues such as 'Can you join the peer game' and 'Whether you understand the language literally', these are the keys to rating;
- Cooperate with multi-source information : Teacher feedback can be attached when filling in, reducing deviations from a single source and improving the accuracy of results.
Autism screening tool CAST questionnaire
1. Can children under 4 years old undergo CAST test?
CAST is designed for 4-11 years old. It is recommended to choose M-CHAT and other screening tools for younger ages under 4 years old. Because infants and young children’s social abilities have not yet been fully developed, the test results may be inaccurate.
2. Does moderate developmental differences (12-14 points) require intervention?
Yes. Children in this score may have challenges in social conversations, interest flexibility, etc., and early social skills training can promote development.
3. Where can I get a regular CAST scale?
It is required to be obtained through professional institutions, such as the outpatient clinic of the Child Development Department, a psychological assessment center or authorized platforms (such as the evaluation system supported by PsycTest Quiz), and avoid the use of non-standardized versions.
4. Can CAST tests diagnose autism?
cannot. CAST is a screening tool and cannot be diagnosed separately. Confirmation must be combined with DSM-5 standards and professional doctor observation.
5. My child got 15 points in CAST. What should I do?
It is recommended to consult a child development behavior department or psychologist as soon as possible to further evaluate and consider intervention.
6. Is CAST online testing reliable?
Research shows that CAST has high reliability and is very reliable as a screening tool. However, the online test results are for reference only.
7. What age is CAST suitable?
CAST is suitable for children aged 4-11 . If the child is younger, try M-CHAT .
8. Where can I do the Chinese version of CAST test?
The free CAST online test provided by PsycTest Quiz official website supports the Chinese version. You can fill in it directly and get the results without registration, which is completely free.
9. How many points are autistic in CAST?
CAST is not a diagnosis tool. It indicates risks with a score of more than 15 points, but it ultimately requires professional evaluation.
10 How to test autism in children with CAST
Visit the official website of PsycTest Quiz, and after entering the test through the CAST children’s autism test portal , parents will fill out the questionnaire to achieve preliminary screening.
10. How do you view the CAST result?
Low scores in CAST test results do not mean absolute typical, and high scores do not mean that they must be autism, but rather prompts that further attention is needed.
Important reminder: Screening ≠diagnosis, scientific intervention is the key
CAST is a screening tool rather than a diagnostic tool , and its results need to be comprehensively judged by professional observation and multi-channel information. If the score is ≥15 or there are obvious developmental concerns, contact a child psychologist as soon as possible to initiate a comprehensive assessment. Early diagnosis + personalized intervention can provide strong support for children's growth.
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