The Road to Understanding: Is It Time for a CARS Assessment?
As a parent, you’re wired to notice things no one else does. You cheer for the first smile, the first step, the first word. But sometimes you also spot something that feels… different. Maybe your child avoids eye contact. Maybe they’re not talking as much as other kids their age. Or maybe they seem completely immersed in spinning a toy wheel for long minutes.
It’s normal to wonder, “Is this just a phase?” And it’s also completely right to ask, “Is it time for a professional opinion, maybe even the CARS test?”
Your gut feeling matters. In fact, it’s often the first and most accurate sign that something deserves a closer look.
At Shaping Insight, Mulund, we specialize in answering those exact questions with clarity, compassion, and science. This blog will help you understand when it makes sense to consider a CARS assessment and how it fits into the bigger picture of understanding your child’s development.
A Quick Recap: What Is the CARS Assessment?
CARS stands for the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. It’s one of the most widely used tools for identifying autism in young children.
But let’s be clear CARS is not a standalone diagnosis. It’s part of a comprehensive developmental evaluation. Think of it like a lens it helps clinicians look closely at behaviors across areas like:
- Social interaction
- Communication
- Sensory response
- Emotional expression
- Adaptability to change
It’s based on direct observation plus input from parents or caregivers and it’s conducted by a trained clinician who knows what to look for and how to interpret the score in context.
Signs That Might Point to the Need for a CARS Assessment
Here’s what often prompts parents to reach out to us:
Communication Delays
- No babbling by 12 months
- No words by 16 months
- No two-word phrases by 24 months
- Any loss of speech or babbling at any age
Social Challenges
- Rarely makes eye contact
- Doesn’t respond to name
- Doesn’t show or share enjoyment (pointing, bringing you toys)
- Doesn’t imitate or engage in back-and-forth play
- Seems indifferent to other children
Unusual Motor or Sensory Behaviors
- Hand flapping, rocking, toe walking
- Overreacts or underreacts to sounds, textures, or light
- Lines up toys, spins objects, obsessed with parts (like wheels)
Red Flags Specific to Autism
- Doesn’t follow your pointing or gestures (poor joint attention)
- No pretend play by 18-24 months
- Fixates on routines or gets upset with small changes
- Repeats the same phrases over and over (echolalia)
- Talks in a robotic or sing-song tone
- Difficulty showing empathy or recognizing others’ emotions
- Regression in any developmental skill
So, When Is the Right Time for a CARS Assessment?
Here’s the short answer: As soon as you notice consistent concerns. Especially if they’ve been there for a few months and aren’t improving.
✅ Between 18–24 Months: This is when the earliest signs of autism often emerge. If red flags are present, don’t wait.
✅ 2 Years and Up: CARS is most reliable after age 2, as patterns become clearer and behaviors more consistent. But signs at any age should be explored.
✅ When You’re Unsure But Uneasy: If your gut says something’s off, even if your doctor says “wait and see,” it’s okay to get a second opinion.
✅ If Your Pediatrician Suggests It: Doctors often recommend a developmental evaluation including CARS when they observe certain traits during checkups. Follow through. It’s worth it.
What Happens During a CARS Assessment at Shaping Insight, Mulund?
We don’t just hand over a score. We get to know your child.
Here’s what to expect:
- Play-Based Observation: Your child is engaged in natural, age-appropriate activities while our trained specialists observe social and communication behaviors.
- Structured Interaction: We introduce specific tasks to assess how your child responds, communicates, and adapts.
- Parent Interview: You help fill in the gaps. We listen to your observations, concerns, and insights.
- Full Evaluation: CARS is part of a larger process, not a quick checklist. We combine it with other tools, developmental history, and clinical judgment.
Our goal is never just a label, it’s understanding. So we can create the right plan for your child.
Taking the Next Step: What You Can Do Right Now
Choosing to get your child assessed isn’t about fear, it’s about clarity.
Here’s what we want you to know:
- You’re not overreacting.
- You don’t have to be “sure” something’s wrong to ask questions.
- Getting an evaluation doesn’t mean a diagnosis, it just means more information.
- The earlier we understand, the better we can support.
At Shaping Insight, Mulund, we provide:
- Full developmental and autism assessments
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Behavioural support
- Parent coaching
- Ongoing developmental tracking
Whether you want to schedule an assessment or just talk through your concerns, we’re here.
Conclusion: Your Child’s Journey, Fully Supported
Every child develops on their own timeline but when consistent concerns show up, they’re worth exploring.
A CARS assessment is one step toward better understanding. The earlier you act, the more possibilities you open up for support, growth, and connection. At Shaping Insight, Mulund, we’re here to walk this road with you with care, clarity, and the kind of expertise that changes lives