CARS-2: Virtual Autism Evaluation at Bright Starts Pediatrics

Clarity and Connection — From the Comfort of Home

At Bright Starts Pediatrics, we know that seeking an autism evaluation can feel overwhelming — especially when balancing busy schedules or limited access to in-person services. That’s why we offer the CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition) as part of our virtual autism diagnostic process.

The CARS-2 allows our trained clinicians to evaluate behaviors, communication patterns, and social responses remotely, combining parent interviews, developmental history, and direct observation to help determine whether autism may be present.

What Is the CARS-2?

The CARS-2 is a research-validated diagnostic rating scale designed to identify autism characteristics and determine symptom severity in children and adolescents ages 2 and older.

It is based on clinician observation and caregiver input, focusing on how an individual:

Interacts and communicates
Responds to people, sounds, and surroundings
Demonstrates emotional understanding and play
Shows flexibility, imitation, and adaptation

Each item is scored on a scale, creating a detailed behavioral profile that helps clinicians differentiate autism from other developmental or behavioral challenges.

Why We Use the CARS-2 for Virtual Testing

The CARS-2 is one of the few validated tools that can be effectively administered via telehealth, making it ideal for families who:

Live in rural or underserved areas
Need flexibility due to travel, work, or caregiving demands
Prefer completing portions of the evaluation from home

Using secure video technology, parents and clinicians work together in real time to review developmental history, discuss behavioral examples, and — when possible — observe the child in natural home settings.

This approach provides meaningful, real-world insight while maintaining professional accuracy and care.

What to Expect During a Virtual CARS-2 Evaluation

Pre-Visit Intake: You’ll complete background forms about developmental milestones, social communication, and daily routines.
Telehealth Session: A Bright Starts clinician meets with you virtually to review your child’s history and observe behavior in natural home interactions.
Clinician Scoring and Interpretation: The clinician uses structured CARS-2 criteria to rate observed and reported behaviors.Prefer completing portions of the evaluation from home
Feedback Session: You’ll receive a summary of findings, professional recommendations, and guidance for next steps or further testing if needed.

Benefits of the CARS-2 Virtual Evaluation

Conducted from your home environment, where your child feels most comfortable
Supported by clinical observation and parent collaboration
Helps guide next steps for diagnosis, intervention, or school support
Suitable for children, teens, and adults with varying communication abilities

CARS-2 vs. In-Person ADOS-2

Both tools help identify autism, but they serve different settings:

ADOS-2 – Gold standard for in-person, play-based evaluations
Supported by clinical observation and parent collaboration

At Bright Starts Pediatrics, we select the most appropriate tool — or combination — to ensure accurate, individualized results, no matter where you are.

Compassionate, Accessible Care — Wherever You Are

We designed our virtual diagnostic process to make high-quality autism evaluation accessible, comfortable, and personal.

Whether you’re taking the first step toward a diagnosis or seeking a second opinion, our goal is to bring clarity and support — with the same compassion and professionalism that define all of our services.