Lexicon [Measures] - GARS
The GARS (Gillian Autism Rating Scale) is a behavior rating scale that evaluates the presence and severity of autistic symptomatology. GARS assesses various domains related to autism, including social interaction, communication, and stereotyped behaviors. It is administered by a clinician and used for individuals between the ages of 3 and 22 years.
- potential for subjective interpretation
- reliance on observer ratings
- lack of comprehensive assessment of other domains, such as cognitive abilities or co-occurring conditions.
Scoring & Interpretation
The GARS questionnaire consists of 56 items that assess various behaviors and characteristics related to autism. These items are grouped into three main categories: Stereotyped Behaviors, Communication, and Social Interaction. Each item on the GARS is scored on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (Not Applicable) to 3 (Severe). The total score is derived by summing the individual item scores, providing an overall indication of the severity of autistic symptoms. Higher scores indicate more severe symptomatology.
History: The GARS was developed by James E. Gilliam in 1995. It was designed as a tool to aid in the identification and assessment of individuals with ASD.
Citation:
Gilliam, J. E. (1995). Gilliam Autism Rating Scale. Austin, TX: PRO-ED.