Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST)

The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is a screening tool designed to help identify traits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children aged 4 to 11. Completed by parents or primary caregivers, the CAST consists of 40 questions that focus on social, communicative, and behavioral aspects of a child’s development. By capturing patterns in play, communication, and social interaction, this questionnaire provides insights that may indicate autism-related traits. Designed to be accessible and straightforward, the CAST allows parents to reflect on their child’s unique behaviors in everyday situations, making it suitable for use at home or in educational settings. This tool plays a crucial role in early identification, as recognizing autism traits early on can lead to timely interventions, positively impacting a child’s social, emotional, and academic outcomes. For many families, the CAST is a valuable first step in understanding and supporting a child’s developmental needs.

Instructions: Please read each question carefully and answer based on your child’s usual behavior. The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is designed to capture patterns related to autism traits by assessing social, communicative, and behavioral aspects. Select “Yes” if the statement generally applies to your child, or “No” if it does not. Answering honestly will help provide an accurate snapshot of your child’s development. This questionnaire typically takes about 10 minutes to complete and can serve as a valuable first step in understanding your child’s unique behaviors.

Question	Yes	No
1. Does your child often show a preference for playing alone?
2. Does your child engage in repetitive movements, such as hand-flapping or rocking?
3. Does your child have a hard time adapting to changes in routine?
4. Does your child avoid eye contact during conversations?
5. Does your child struggle to understand or use gestures, like pointing or waving?
6. Does your child often repeat phrases or words out of context?
7. Does your child struggle with turn-taking during play?
8. Does your child seem unusually sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures?
9. Does your child prefer playing with parts of toys, like wheels, rather than the entire toy?
10. Does your child tend to fixate on particular interests or topics for long periods?
11. Does your child seem to lack awareness of personal space boundaries?
12. Does your child often misunderstand or take things literally?
13. Does your child have difficulty engaging in imaginative play with others?
14. Does your child avoid physical contact, like hugs, or dislike being touched?
15. Does your child become upset by small changes in their environment?
16. Does your child have an unusually intense interest in certain objects or topics?
17. Does your child rarely show or share enjoyment with others?
18. Does your child struggle to interpret other people’s facial expressions?
19. Does your child often use a flat or unusual tone of voice?
20. Does your child seem uninterested in making friends with peers?
21. Does your child prefer routine and become anxious if routines are disrupted?
22. Does your child have difficulty following multi-step directions?
23. Does your child often ignore others when spoken to?
24. Does your child seem to lack empathy or understanding of others’ feelings?
25. Does your child often repeat actions in a particular sequence?
26. Does your child struggle to maintain a conversation on topics chosen by others?
27. Does your child show signs of unusual physical coordination or posture?
28. Does your child seem uninterested in group activities or team sports?
29. Does your child struggle to make eye contact during conversations?
30. Does your child have difficulty recognizing familiar faces?
31. Does your child show unusual responses to sounds, such as covering their ears?
32. Does your child show limited interest in sharing their experiences with others?
33. Does your child become easily frustrated by new tasks or activities?
34. Does your child appear to be in their own world, even in social settings?
35. Does your child have difficulty imitating others’ actions or expressions?
36. Does your child have an intense attachment to specific objects?
37. Does your child avoid direct eye contact with familiar people?
38. Does your child struggle to respond to their name consistently?
39. Does your child show signs of repetitive speech or echolalia?
40. Does your child prefer solitary activities over group play?

Core Aspects Assessed by the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test

The CAST focuses on social interaction, communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and imaginative play, all of which are essential aspects of early childhood development. Each question is crafted to reflect common scenarios in a child’s life, making it relatable and accessible for parents to answer. By exploring these areas, the CAST provides insights into a child’s behavior that may indicate autism-related traits, offering a preliminary understanding for families and caregivers. The tool highlights areas where support may be beneficial, fostering early awareness and empathy within families.

Moreover, questions related to social skills might ask about a child’s comfort in group play or their tendency to make eye contact, while communication questions might cover how well they understand and respond to others. This balanced approach gives a comprehensive view of a child’s social and developmental profile, helping parents understand unique behaviors that might otherwise be overlooked.

Why the CAST is Essential for Early Childhood Screening

In educational and healthcare settings, the CAST serves as an early screening tool, guiding professionals and parents alike. By identifying potential autism traits early on, the CAST allows caregivers to pursue further evaluation or interventions if needed, supporting the child’s social, communicative, and academic growth. This early step often bridges the gap between parental observation and professional diagnosis, encouraging timely, appropriate action to meet the child’s unique needs. If a child shows signs of ASD through their CAST results, a healthcare provider may recommend a comprehensive evaluation to confirm any developmental concerns.

Understanding CAST Results for Informed Care

Beyond its use in early screening, the CAST is a valuable resource for understanding patterns in autism spectrum traits across different populations. By analyzing CAST results, researchers and educators can identify trends that deepen our understanding of autism in childhood. For example, results have shown that certain behaviors or skills, such as attention to detail or a strong memory for specific interests, are common in children with autism, which helps normalize these traits and highlight their strengths. Whether you’re using the CAST to better understand your child or to seek support, this tool can help guide you towards creating an informed and empathetic environment that supports individual differences and strengths.