Online CAST autism screening tool
While autism is typically diagnosed in early childhood, some children on the spectrum may not receive a diagnosis until much later. The CAST is a valuable tool for recognizing these cases and ensuring children get the help they need. If your child is younger than 4, please complete the M-CHAT screening tool instead of the CAST.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it important to identify autism early?
Recognizing that a child has autism spectrum disorder is important because it allows them to access early intensive behavioral interventions (EIBIs) like applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA therapy is a research-backed method that has been proven to help children with autism reduce target behaviors, improve their communication skills, and learn tools for school readiness.
Parents and caregivers play an essential role in helping their children get the support they need. Detecting autism using tools like the CAST can significantly improve a child’s overall well-being and development.
What happens after I complete the CAST?
After you complete the CAST, a Clinic Admissions Associate (CAA) will contact you within one business day to discuss the next steps for your family. Depending on your child’s CAST score, we may schedule your child for the ADOS-2, a face-to-face assessment with one of our highly trained professionals. The ADOS-2 can help determine whether your child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis.
CAST Autism Screening Tool
Please answer the following questions about your child, considering how they usually behave. It's important that the person who completes the CAST has seen how the child behaves in different settings and situations. If you have seen your child engage in a behavior a few times, but they do not usually do it, then please answer no. Please check yes or no for every question.
