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Clinical Centers

Clinical Centers

National and university-based networks where diagnostic evaluation and interdisciplinary care are provided or trained for — with the questions to ask before you book.

Based on Mayo Clinic · AUCD · HRSA Maternal and Child Health Bureau · NIMH · AAP HealthyChildren.org · CDC · All sources · Checked November 3, 2026

60LEND programs operating within university systems and partner hospitalsAUCD
169,070diagnostic services provided by LEND trainees and faculty, July 2024 – June 2025HRSA MCHB
No single testthere is no specific medical test for autism — evaluation is by observation and assessmentMayo Clinic

Where interdisciplinary care is found

Autism Family does not list local clinics. The national networks below either provide diagnostic evaluation and care directly or train the professionals who do; use their directories, then confirm details with the center itself. 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.

Academic medical centers and university networks

Academic medical centerMayo Clinic — Autism spectrum disorder: Diagnosis and treatmentMayo Clinic explains that there is no specific medical test for autism, what a specialist evaluation includes, treatment options and questions to ask. Confirm location, age eligibility, referrals, insurance and availability directly with Mayo Clinic.Visit official resource University networkAUCD — LEND ProgramsLEND programs operate within university systems, usually as part of a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and collaborate with university hospitals and health care centers; 60 programs cover every state, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and six Pacific Basin jurisdictions.Visit official resource University networkAUCD — Directory of LEND programs and UCEDDs by stateThe AUCD state-by-state directory of LEND programs and UCEDDs with addresses, phone numbers and websites.Visit official resource Federal agencyHRSA Maternal and Child Health Bureau — AutismHRSA reports that between July 2024 and June 2025 LEND trainees and faculty provided 169,070 diagnostic services to verify or rule out autism or other developmental disabilities, and DBP trainees and faculty 33,561.Visit official resource Federal agencyNIMH — Join a Study (NIH Clinical Center)The NIMH Intramural Research Program runs studies at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, with inpatient and outpatient options for children and adults; studies are listed by diagnosis.Visit official resource

Community routes to an evaluation

NonprofitAAP HealthyChildren.org — How Is Autism Diagnosed?A primary care pediatrician can diagnose autism or refer to a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist or other autism specialist.Visit official resource Federal agencyCDC — Early intervention contacts by stateState early intervention contacts for children under 3 — a free public evaluation route that does not require a referral.Visit official resource Federal agencyCDC — Concerned About Your Child’s Development?For children 3 and older, call a local public elementary school and ask for a preschool special education evaluation.Visit official resource

Questions to ask

  • Which locations and ages does the center serve, and is there a waitlist?
  • Is a referral required, and from whom?
  • What insurance or Medicaid plans are accepted, and what will we pay?
  • Which disciplines are on the team, and will we receive a written report with recommendations?
  • Are there research studies at the center, and are they optional?

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.