How to Get an Autism Evaluation
There are three common routes to an autism evaluation: through your pediatrician, a private neuropsychological evaluation, and through the school system. A school evaluation is free and focuses on educational eligibility, while a clinical diagnosis comes from a qualified provider. The two are separate, and you can have one without the other.
Route 1: Through Your Pediatrician
The most common starting point for children. Mention your concerns at a well-child visit or request a dedicated appointment. Bring written notes about what you have observed. Ask for an autism screening. If the screen is positive, ask for a referral to a developmental pediatrician. Waitlists are often long. Ask about the wait time and whether they maintain a cancellation list.
Route 2: Private Neuropsychological Evaluation
A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is the most thorough option. It typically takes 6-10 hours across multiple sessions and produces a detailed report. Private evaluations are often not covered by insurance. Costs range from $2,000 to $5,000. Some clinics offer sliding scale fees. University autism centers sometimes offer evaluations at reduced cost.
Route 3: Through the School System
Any parent can request a school evaluation in writing. The school has 60 days to evaluate. School evaluations are free. They focus on educational eligibility rather than comprehensive clinical assessment, but they can establish eligibility for services and an IEP. A school evaluation and a clinical diagnosis are separate things. You can have one without the other.
Adults Seeking Evaluation
Adult autism evaluation is less systematized and harder to access. Start with your primary care physician or psychiatrist and request a referral. University autism centers often see adults. Find a provider with experience in adult autism and late diagnosis, as the standard criteria were designed primarily for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three routes to an autism evaluation?
The three routes covered here are through your pediatrician, a private neuropsychological evaluation, and through the school system. Each involves a different process and gives you different things.
How do I start through my pediatrician?
Mention your concerns at a well-child visit or request a dedicated appointment, and bring written notes about what you have observed. Ask for an autism screening, and if the screen is positive, ask for a referral to a developmental pediatrician. Waitlists are often long, so ask about the wait time and whether they keep a cancellation list.
How much does a private neuropsychological evaluation cost?
A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is the most thorough option and typically takes 6 to 10 hours across multiple sessions. It is often not covered by insurance, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Some clinics offer sliding scale fees, and university autism centers sometimes offer evaluations at reduced cost.
Is a school evaluation the same as a clinical diagnosis?
No. A school evaluation and a clinical diagnosis are separate things, and you can have one without the other. School evaluations focus on educational eligibility rather than comprehensive clinical assessment, but they can establish eligibility for services and an IEP.
Are school evaluations free, and how long do they take?
Yes. Any parent can request a school evaluation in writing, the evaluation is free, and the school has 60 days to evaluate.
How do adults get an autism evaluation?
Adult autism evaluation is less systematized and harder to access. Start with your primary care physician or psychiatrist and request a referral. University autism centers often see adults, and it helps to find a provider with experience in adult autism and late diagnosis, since the standard criteria were designed primarily for children.
We are not doctors. We are advocates. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about diagnosis, treatment, or any decision regarding your health or your child's health.