Activity ID
15386Expires
September 9, 2027Format Type
InternetCME Credit
3.5Fee
$0CME Provider: Continuing Education for Health Professions - University of Missouri
Description of CME Course
This CARS-2 ST workshop provides clinicians with an introduction to the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition, Standard Version, as a tool used to assess autism-related behaviors in younger children and individuals with limited language. The training reviews CARS-2 items, scoring considerations, use of possible measures to complete CARS-2 items (such as parent report, direct observation, and clinical records), and guidance for interpreting raw scores, T-scores, and descriptive severity categories. Participants learn how to ask targeted questions, observe relevant behaviors, and integrate CARS-2 findings into clinical diagnostic impressions. This workshop is meant to support PCPs within their already existing autism evaluation process, including the use of the M-CHAT-R, the ASQ, DSM 5 diagnostic interview, and clinical behavioral observations. This training provides clinicians with an additional tool to enhance diagnostic processes within their clinic settings. By offering this training, we aim to strengthen primary care capacity for timely, high‑quality autism evaluations, improve access for families, and support earlier identification through the appropriate integration of multiple evidence‑based tools within a comprehensive diagnostic process.
ABMS Member Board Approvals by Type
ABMS Lifelong Learning CME Activity
Family Medicine
Commercial Support?
NoNOTE: If a Member Board has not deemed this activity for MOC approval as an accredited CME activity, this activity may count toward an ABMS Member Board’s general CME requirement. Please refer directly to your Member Board’s MOC Part II Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment Program Requirements.
Educational Objectives
Describe the purpose, structure, and items of the CARS-2 ST and its role in autism assessment.
Explain key scoring considerations for the CARS-2 ST, including the use of item definitions and behavioral examples.
Explain how multiple sources of information, including parent report, developmental history, DSM-5 interview, and direct observation, inform CARS-2 ST ratings.
Describe how CARS-2 ST scores, including raw scores, T-scores, and severity categories, are used to support clinical diagnostic impressions.
Keywords
Asperger's, Pervasive, General Practitioner, Association
Competencies
Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Medical Knowledge, Patient Care & Procedural Skills
CME Credit Type
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
Practice Setting
Academic Medicine, Inpatient, Outpatient, Rural
