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
A 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 can be long. Ask about the wait time and whether they maintain a cancellation list.
Route 2: Private Neuropsychological Evaluation
A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is usually the broadest option. It can take several sessions and produces a detailed report. Prices vary widely by region and provider, and insurance coverage depends on your plan, so ask for a written quote and check with your insurer. 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. Once you give written consent, the evaluation must be completed within 60 days, or within your state's own timeline if it sets one. 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.
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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 can be 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 usually the broadest option and can take several sessions. Prices vary widely by region and provider, and insurance coverage depends on your plan, so ask for a written quote and check with your insurer. 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 it must be completed within 60 days of your written consent, or within your state's own timeline if it sets one.
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.
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.