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Clinical Care & Evaluation

Clinical Care & Evaluation

Where to start when you want a professional evaluation or ongoing clinical care: your child’s pediatrician, free public evaluations through your state, and national networks of university-based clinics and specialists.

Based on AAP HealthyChildren.org · CDC · CPIR · Mayo Clinic · AUCD · All sources · Checked November 3, 2026

18 & 24months: ages for autism-specific screening at well-child visitsAAP, as described by CDC
Under 3contact your state early intervention program — no referral or diagnosis neededCDC
60LEND programs across every state, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and six Pacific jurisdictionsAUCD

Three doors to an evaluation

Most families reach a diagnostic evaluation through one of three routes: a referral from the child’s pediatrician, a free public evaluation from the state early intervention program or local school district, or a specialist or university-based clinic. The routes can run at the same time — you do not need a diagnosis to ask the state for a free evaluation. Listings link to external organizations; they do not imply affiliation, endorsement or guaranteed services, and eligibility, availability and costs change — confirm directly with each organization.

Start with your pediatrician

NonprofitAAP HealthyChildren.org — How Pediatricians Screen for AutismExplains how pediatricians watch for early signs from the first well-child visit, that the AAP recommends formal autism screening for all children at 18 and 24 months (and whenever parents raise a concern), and that a positive screen is not a diagnosis.Visit official resource NonprofitAAP HealthyChildren.org — How Is Autism Diagnosed?Describes what a diagnosis draws on — the parent’s account, the pediatrician’s observations, behavioral testing, medical tests and history — and notes a primary care pediatrician can diagnose autism or refer to a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist or other specialist.Visit official resource NonprofitAAP HealthyChildren.org — If Autism is Suspected, What’s Next?Advises asking the pediatrician for a diagnostic evaluation if autism is suspected and pursuing supports while you wait: state early intervention under age 3, school district special education at 3 and older, and therapies such as speech or occupational therapy.Visit official resource Federal agencyCDC — Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum DisorderCDC’s overview of screening versus diagnosis: screening does not diagnose autism; a formal evaluation is done by specialists such as developmental pediatricians or child psychologists, and a diagnosis by age 2 is considered reliable.Visit official resource

Free public evaluations — no referral needed

Federal agencyCDC — Early intervention contacts by stateState-by-state program links and phone numbers for early intervention, which serves babies and young children with developmental delays or disabilities free or at reduced cost; each state sets its own eligibility rules.Visit official resource Federal agencyCDC — Concerned About Your Child’s Development?Step-by-step guidance on what to do if you are concerned: for children under 3, contact your local early intervention system; for 3 and older, call a local public elementary school and ask for a preschool special education evaluation.Visit official resource NonprofitCPIR — Evaluating Children for DisabilityThe Center for Parent Information and Resources explains how to ask the school for an evaluation, that written parental consent is required first, and that the initial evaluation has a 60-day federal deadline unless the state sets its own timeframe.Visit official resource

Specialist and university-based clinics

Academic medical centerMayo Clinic — Autism spectrum disorder: Diagnosis and treatmentMayo Clinic’s page on how autism is diagnosed and treated, including that there is no specific medical test, what a specialist evaluation involves, and a list of questions to ask. Confirm location, age eligibility, referrals, insurance and availability directly with Mayo Clinic.Visit official resource University networkAUCD — LEND ProgramsDescribes the 60 LEND programs, funded under the Autism CARES Act and administered by HRSA, which provide interdisciplinary training and services for children with disabilities within university systems and partner hospitals.Visit official resource University networkAUCD — Directory of LEND programs and UCEDDs by stateA state-by-state directory of LEND programs and University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities with addresses, phone numbers and websites — a starting point for finding a university-affiliated clinic near you.Visit official resource

Questions to ask

  • What ages do you evaluate, and how long is the current waitlist?
  • Do I need a referral from my child’s doctor or from the school?
  • What does the evaluation cost, and is it covered by our insurance or Medicaid?
  • Which professionals are on the evaluation team, and what will the written report include?
  • Can we request a free public evaluation from the state or school at the same time?

This website provides general educational information. It does not diagnose autism or replace individualized medical, developmental, psychological, or educational advice. Screening is not diagnosis.

External listings do not imply affiliation, endorsement, or guaranteed services. Eligibility, availability, costs, and insurance coverage may change. Research summaries reflect evidence available at the time of review.