Assessing autism in school-age children

Early identification helps educators, parents, and clinicians develop targeted support plans that address specific academic, social, and behavioral needs. By assessing autism in school-age children, interventions can be implemented to enhance communication, improve peer interactions, and provide strategies for managing classroom and social behaviors. This proactive approach not only supports the child’s academic success but also promotes emotional well-being, helping them build confidence and a positive learning experience. Accurate assessments lead to tailored educational strategies that empower children to reach their full potential in both school and social settings.

Autism Assessment Tools & Resources

Leading autism assessments for school age

ASRS®

Helps identify symptoms, behaviors, and associated features of ASDs in children and adolescents

  • Available in Spanish

Learn more about ASRS

**Coming soon to Q-global™!

CARS-2

Helps distinguish autism from developmental disabilities in children

Learn more about CARS-2

GARS-3

Helps identify the probability and severity of autism disorder in children and young adults

Learn more about GARS-3

DAS-II® NU School-Age

Provides insight into how a child processes information. 

Learn more about DAS-II NU School-Age

PEDI-CAT Computer Adaptive Caregiver Report

Digital administration available 

Measures functional domains for children and youth with physical and/or behavioral conditions–includes Autism scale 

  • Available in Spanish 

  • Remote on-screen administration available  

Learn more about PEDI-CAT

Sensory Profile™ 2

Digital administration available 

Evaluates a child’s sensory processing patterns in the context of different settings 

  • Available in Spanish 

  • Remote on-screen administration available  

Learn more about Sensory Profile 2

Additional offerings:

*Available in Spanish

Spotlight resources

Teacher and student working together.

Deciphering dual diagnosis

Discover practical strategies for supporting individuals with ASD and ADHD.

Get the guide (PDF | 1.76 MB)

Girl sitting at a desk in the classroom looking blank

Understanding the connection

Creating inclusive, supportive learning environments for individuals with ASD & ADHD.

Explore (PDF | 4.55 MB)

Mother helping her daughter read.

Five ways to build bridges with parents

How to improve communications with parents and guardians to support students’ well-being. 

Get the playbook (PDF)

Podcasts

Mother and daughter sitting on the couch smiling at one another.

Episode 1

Beyond the ABCs: How to integrate social-emotional learning into early childhood education

We’re joined by Deb Grill, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Pearson assessment consultant. Together, we’ll discuss the difference between SEL and social skills development, why SEL is sometimes controversial, key developmental milestones, caregiver communication strategies, and the importance of educator wellness.

Listen to the podcast

Father and son blowing bubbles together.

Episode 2

Say it with me: How to help children with speech and language delays

We’re joined by Patricia Ybarra, a certified speech-language pathologist and Pearson research director. Together, we’ll discuss speech and language milestones, educator and caregiver roles in supporting children with delays, how to talk with caregivers about delays, and complementary activities and resources for families.

Listen to the podcast

Mother and young daughter playing with block on the floor.

Episode 3

Ready, set, go! How educators and caregivers can improve kindergarten readiness

We’re joined by Selina Oliver, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Pearson assessment consultant. Together, we’ll discuss how educators can converse and collaborate with caregivers, the pros and cons of starting kindergarten at a later age, and the impact of early childhood education funding and national trends.

Listen to the podcast

Blogs

Mother and young daughters playing at the kitchen table.

The ABCs of assessments

Assessments can help distinguish individuality or preferences from potential issues that might require intervention.

Read the blog

Father and son drawing on the floor.

Ready, Set, Go!

Kindergarten readiness comprises many different skills. Read how educators and caregivers can work together to close the gap.

Read the blog

Mother reading to her daughter.

Say it with me

Discussing a developmental delay can be a sensitive conversation, so it's important that educators connect with families in a way that considers the caregivers' needs.

Read the blog

Two young girls painting pictures.

Beyond the ABCs

We’ve heard a lot over the past few years about the ongoing mental health crises affecting students and young people. Read on for what educators and caregivers can do.

Read the blog

Webinar recordings

Detecting Autism amongst the ever-broadening spectrum

The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder is currently 1 in 36 school-age children in the United States. Yet, the breadth of the spectrum is so broad and heterogeneous that it becomes perplexing as to how some individuals who are profoundly affected can carry the same diagnostic label as those with more subtle symptom expression.

Watch the recording

Understanding age-related changes in motor performance in children and adolescents on the autism spectrum

In this webinar, Dr. Travers will present the findings of her recent research examining age-related changes in BOT-2 performance in autistic and non-autistic children (ages 6–17 years). Diagnostic group differences and subgroup differences (autism with and without co-occurring ADHD) in motor profiles will also be examined. 

Watch the recording

More previously recorded webinars

Related topics

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Occupational Therapy

Explore more

Student looking bored in the classroom.

ADHD

Explore more

Young, happy student working at a school desk.

DALS

Explore more

Mother and daughter sitting on the couch smiling at one another.

Mental Health & Behavior

Explore more

Let’s keep the conversation going!

We are here to help you in any way we can as you identify and support the needs of those on the autism spectrum. Sign up for the latest updates on Pearson’s Autism tools. Have a question? Complete the “Contact a Rep” form and we will be in touch! 

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