Based on DSM-5 Definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Ages: 3-0 to 22
Testing Time: 5 to 10 Minutes
Administration: Individual

The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, now in its third edition, is one of the most widely used instruments for the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the world. The GARS-3 assists teachers, parents, and clinicians in identifying autism in individuals and estimating its severity. Items on the GARS-3 are based on the 2013 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder adopted by the APA and published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The GARS-3 yields standard scores, percentile ranks, severity level, and probability of Autism.

The instrument consists of 56 clearly stated items describing the characteristic behaviors of persons with autism. The items are grouped into six subscales: Restrictive/Repetitive Behaviors, Social Interaction, Social Communication, Emotional Responses, Cognitive Style, and Maladaptive Speech.


New Features of the GARS-3

• Items and subscales reflect DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Forty-four new items were added to the GARS-3.
• All six subscales have been empirically determined to be valid and sensitive for identification of children with ASD.
• Normative data (N = 1,859) were collected in 2010 and 2011.
• Demographic characteristics of the normative sample are keyed to those reported by U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2011.
• An interpretation guide in the Examiner’s Manual allows the examiner an easy and efficient method for assessing the probability of autism spectrum disorder and the severity of the disorder.
• A diagnostic validation form is included for insuring that test results meet DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorder.