The Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) is a widely used psychological assessment tool designed to measure anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents. Developed by Dr. Susan H. Spence, this self-report questionnaire helps identify different types of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific phobias.
This scale consists of multiple-choice questions where children rate how often they experience various anxiety-related thoughts, feelings, and physical symptoms. By assessing patterns of fear, worry, and avoidance, SCAS provides valuable insights for parents, teachers, psychologists, and mental health professionals in understanding a child’s emotional wellbeing.
SCAS is commonly used in schools, clinics, and research settings to screen for anxiety-related concerns, track progress over time, and guide interventions. It is a key resource for early identification and support, helping children receive the right care to manage anxiety effectively.