Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST)

Background

The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is a behavioral screening questionnaire developed to identify traits commonly associated with autism spectrum conditions in children. The assessment evaluates social communication, imaginative play, repetitive behaviors, social reciprocity, language patterns, restricted interests, sensory-related behaviors, and developmental features associated with autism spectrum traits.

The CAST is commonly used in research, educational, and clinical screening settings to help identify children who may benefit from further developmental evaluation. The assessment focuses on observable behaviors reported by parents, caregivers, or individuals familiar with the child’s everyday functioning.

Autism spectrum traits can vary considerably across children and may involve differences in communication style, social interaction, behavioral flexibility, imaginative abilities, attention patterns, and sensory experiences. The CAST is designed as a screening instrument only and is not intended to provide a formal clinical diagnosis.

Procedure

You will be presented with a series of statements describing a child’s behavior, communication style, interests, and social interactions. Please answer each item honestly based on the child’s typical behavior using the provided response options.

There are no right or wrong answers. Honest responses provide the most meaningful screening results.

Participation

This assessment is intended for parents, caregivers, teachers, or individuals who are familiar with the child’s typical developmental and social behavior. Participation is voluntary and responses should reflect everyday observations rather than isolated situations.

Scoring & Interpretation

Each item is scored using a binary response format:
0 = No
1 = Yes

Some items reflect typical developmental behaviors while others reflect autism-related behavioral traits. Higher overall scores may indicate a stronger presence of autism spectrum-related characteristics.

Dimensional analysis may include:

Social Interaction
Communication Style
Imaginative Play
Repetitive Behavior
Restricted Interests
Social Reciprocity
Behavioral Rigidity
Nonverbal Communication
Developmental Features
Language Patterns

The final report provides a percentage-based overview of autism-related behavioral tendencies and screening indicators. Results should be interpreted cautiously and are not a substitute for professional developmental assessment.

Start Assessment

Translations

This assessment is available in English only.

Changelogs

v1.0 – Initial release of the CAST module.
v1.1 – Added dimensional behavioral mapping.
v1.2 – Improved developmental trait categorization.
v1.3 – Enhanced caregiver instructions and reporting clarity.
v1.4 – Optimized scoring structure and responsive layout support.
v1.5 – Added expanded social reciprocity and communication dimensions.

Sources

1. S Scott , et al. The CAST (Childhood Autism Spectrum Test): Preliminary Development of a UK Screen for Mainstream Primary-School-Age Children. Autism. 2002. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361302006003003
2. S Baron-Cohen , et al. Autism Spectrum Conditions and Screening Research. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2001.