Gilliam Autism Rating Scale Question

[MightyMom]

Hi.

I've googled this and can't find any information. I was hoping someone could give me some assistance.

My son was receiving Early Childhood Intervention services. He has now been transitioned into the school district. (Turned 3 on Sunday) The school diagnostician asked me to complete a GARS-2 form. There were three levels to show the probability of Autism. 1) Very Likely 2) Possibly 3) Very Unlikely

My DS fell into category 2..... Possibly.

Today I was given a GARS form to complete by his speech therapist. From what I understand this is an older test.... but still very accurate.

I've completed it.... and I was kinda hoping to find a way to score it myself.... otherwise I'll need to wait until after the holiday to get the results.

I'm just anxious.... and feeling a bit overwhelmed. I have an older child who has cerebral palsy, but talk of autism is a whole different ball game.

So if anyone can give me some information on scoring the GARS assessment.... I would appreciate it.

Thanks
Trisha

 

[SueM in MN]

If I understand your question, you already completed the 2nd edition of the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale and that was the one that came up as 'possible'.

And (at least I think) that the speech therapist gave you a copy of the original Gilliam Autism Rating Scale to complete.

I believe that they are basically very similar. I think the differences between the 2 are mostly that the newer version had re-wording of questions to make it easier to choose an answer and the questions may line up better with the criteria for making a diagnosis of autism. The things I found on the internet were mostly sites selling the 2nd edition (not too helpful to you). One of the sites said it takes about 45 minutes to score the original GARS (which makes me think there must be a fairly complicated book that goes along with the test). I know it's hard to be patient, but I think in this case you may not have any other options.