Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS-2)
The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2 (GARS-2) is a 42 item norm referenced screening instrument used for
the assessment of individuals ages 3-22 who have severe behavioral problems that may be indicative of
autism. Its purpose is to help professionals identify Autism Spectrum Disorders, but in a school setting, it
is used to help educational teams determine whether a child may meet MN State Educational Criteria for
receiving special education services under the Autism Spectrum Disorder category. It is important to
clarify that this is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a category to receive special education services. The
GARS-2 gathers information about specific characteristics typically noted in children with autism spectrum
disorders in three areas (Stereotyped Behaviors, Communication, and Social Interaction) and it contains a
developmental history. The GARS-2 was normed entirely of individuals diagnosed as autistic. Standard
scores and percentiles are provided and the likelihood of autism can be determined.
Educational staff at XXXX School and XXXX’s parents completed the GARS-2.
The results were as follows:
HOME Rating
Rater: XXX Name Standard Score %ile Standard Score %ile
Stereotyped Behaviors XX XX% XX XX%
Communication XX XX% XX XX%
Social Interaction XX XX% XX XX%
Sum of Standard Scores XX XX
Autism Index XX XX% XX XX%
Probability of Autism is Unlikely, Possibly, Very Likely.
SCHOOL Rating
Rater: XXX Name Standard Score %ile Standard Score %ile
Stereotyped Behaviors XX XX% XX XX%
Communication XX XX% XX XX%
Social Interaction XX XX% XX XX%
Sum of Standard Scores XX XX
Autism Index XX XX% XX XX%
Probability of Autism is Unlikely, Possibly, Very Likely.
Note: On this tool, if the subject’s Autism Index is 85 or above, the person is very likely autistic, and if the
Autism Index is 70-84, the person is possibly autistic. Autism Indexes of 69 or less indicate that the person
is unlikely to be autistic.
The following items were rated frequently observed in each of the following categories:
Stereotyped Behaviors Identified:
•Avoids establishing eye contact, looks away when eye contact is made
•Stares at hands, objects, or items in the environment for at least 5 seconds
•Rapidly flicks fingers or hands in front of eyes for periods of 5 seconds or more
•Eats specific foods and refuses to eat what most people will usually eat
•Licks, tastes or attempts to eat inedible objects
•Smells or sniffs objects
•Whirls, turns in circles
•Spins objects not designed for spinning
•Rocks back and forth while seated or standing
