Where to Get an Autism Diagnosis in North Carolina
If you think your child might be autistic, getting a diagnosis is usually the first step to support, including ABA therapy, which most insurance plans cover only after a diagnosis. The process can feel slow and confusing. This guide lays out the main routes in North Carolina and how to keep things moving.
Start with your pediatrician
Your child’s pediatrician is the best first stop. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at the 18-month and 24-month well-child visits, often with a short parent questionnaire. But you don’t have to wait for a scheduled visit. If you’re worried, book an appointment and say so directly.
Your pediatrician can:
- Listen to your concerns and screen your child
- Refer you to a specialist for a full diagnostic evaluation
- Refer you to early intervention or other therapies while you wait
Tip: Write down what you’ve noticed before the visit: how your child communicates, plays, reacts to changes or sounds, and anything that worries you. Short videos on your phone can help too.
Who can diagnose autism
A full diagnostic evaluation is done by a qualified specialist, such as:
- A developmental-behavioral pediatrician or child neurologist
- A licensed psychologist experienced in autism evaluations
- A multidisciplinary team at a hospital or university clinic
Evaluations usually include observing your child, structured activities, and a detailed interview with you. Ask whether the evaluator provides a written report with the diagnosis, because insurance will need it to approve ABA.
UNC TEACCH Autism Program
UNC TEACCH is part of the University of North Carolina and has regional centers across the state. Families are assigned to a center based on their home county, and TEACCH offers diagnostic evaluations along with other autism services. Check their website or call to find your center and current wait times.
Children under 3: the NC Infant-Toddler Program
If your child is under 3, you can contact the NC Infant-Toddler Program yourself, without a doctor’s referral. It’s run through local Children’s Developmental Services Agencies (CDSAs) and provides free developmental evaluations. If your child qualifies, they can get early intervention services while you work on a formal diagnosis. Search “NC Infant-Toddler Program CDSA” with your county to find your local office.
Children 3 and older: your school district
For children 3 and older, your local public school district can evaluate your child for special education services through its Exceptional Children (EC) program, even before kindergarten. A school evaluation can lead to an IEP and services at school. It’s a different process from a medical diagnosis, and insurance usually won’t accept a school eligibility decision as a diagnosis for ABA. Many families pursue both.
While you wait
Wait lists for evaluations can be long. A few things that help:
- Get on more than one list. Call several evaluators and take the first appointment that works.
- Ask about cancellations. Some clinics keep a short-notice list.
- Start early intervention now. Speech therapy, occupational therapy and early intervention services don’t always require an autism diagnosis.
- Call an ABA provider early. We can explain exactly what your insurance will need, so you’re ready to start as soon as the report arrives.
After the diagnosis
Once you have the written report, the next steps are an ABA assessment, a treatment plan and insurance authorization. Read how to start ABA therapy in North Carolina, and if your child is on Medicaid, the NC Medicaid and ABA guide.
Empire ABA provides in-home ABA therapy in Wilmington, Raleigh–Durham and Charlotte. You’re welcome to call us before you have a diagnosis. We’re happy to answer questions and help you plan.
