Autism and CARS Test
By jmhall
@jmhall (143)
United States
August 30, 2008 9:20pm CST
I recently took my daughter who turns 3 in a couple of months to a developmental pediatrician. At this visit they had me complete a test called CARS. Based on the report that the Dr. sent it stated that she scored 26.5 and that 30 is considered Autistic. The Dr. suspects that she is on the borderline for PDD. And based on other reports that stated that she has a language regression ( my husband thought she did and stated this to one of the evaluator, I am not so sure about this. I know that sounds wierd but you need to understand that I have 3 children under the age of 3, my daughter has a twin and a younger sister.) that we should have an EEG done. If EEG is clear than we will do no more testing but if there is something abnormal we will do a longer EEG.
She is currently having therapy in language and developement for transition issues and will have OT for sesory issues.
What I don't get is what does all this mean. Obviously she has a language delay and has some transition issues and the therapy is helping alot. What will it mean if she does have an abnormal EEG. Any insight by other who have gone throught this would be appreciated.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@Foxxee (3651)
• United States
1 Sep 08
I don't know how they are doing things where you live, but I know when we noticed something was wrong we found Early INtervention and took several tests and several doctors and interventions before they diagnosed my child with Autism...
If she has a abnormal EEG, they should also do some interventions and you probably have a long road ahead of you...
Just keep faith and be strong...
1 person likes this
@jmhall (143)
• United States
1 Sep 08
Thanks for responding.
She is currently in Early Intervention 0-3 program. They are the ones that suggested the Developmental Ped. and a hearing eval. She passed the hearing eval.
So hopefully she will have a clear EEG and maybe this is all just extremely mild and with a little help she will be up to speed with her sister in communication.
@Foxxee (3651)
• United States
1 Sep 08
Yeah my son is in that program as well, but soon will be moving to another program to help him with all his needs.
Early Intervention also had my son get a hearing screen and he passed as well. They do that just to rule out if the child might be deaf or not.
In some cases an Autistic child might seem as if deaf. That is one big sign parents notice. I thought my son was deaf, but he passed all 4 of his screenings.
One thing about Early Intervention is they can't diagnose a child as Autistic, they can point you in the right direction though, if you are wanting to know if your child is Autistic or not.
But your daughter could very well be delayed and saving her words for something important... :)
Good luck!
2 people like this
@thedogshrink (1266)
• United States
3 Oct 08
Hey, I see this is a month old, but I still wanted to answer. My understanding is that EEG does NOT show autism. So are they looking for some other possible problem by doing the EEG? My daughter has had them, but they were checking for seizures.
I think it is OK to postpone a definite diagnosis of autism at this age, IF she is still going to get the developmental delay/Early Interventions services. SHe will either outgrow, or the autism will become more clearly apparent, if she is autistic. At any rate, the Early Intervention definitely HELPS, so keep up with that.
1 person likes this
@ch88ss (2271)
• United States
2 Oct 08
don't worry too much You are on the right trace with speech, therpay and help from the doctor
i never had the CARS form to complete so my daughter was not diagnosed until five years old.
The sooner you get help the better.
IF EEG is paid for by the insurance and the doctor recommends it then give it a try.
Good luck
