You can request an autism evaluation directly. For children under 3, contact your state's Early Intervention program; for children 3 and older, contact your local school district about an IDEA evaluation. Ask the evaluator and health plan about evaluation scope, billing information, and coverage before scheduling.
How Do I Get My Child Evaluated for Autism? You do not need to wait for your pediatrician to suggest it. You do not need a specialist referral to start. And if your child is under 3, you can contact the evaluation program directly today. As of 2025, the median age of autism diagnosis in the United States was 47 months, close to a child's fourth birthday CDC ADDM Network, MMWR Vol. 74, No. ss7402a1, retrieved 2026-06-21, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/ss/ss7402a1.htm. Children who start serv
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Find a Provider →Harmony Care Finder Editorial develops general educational guides to help families navigate provider searches, coverage questions, and care planning. Articles are not medical, clinical, or therapeutic advice.
Editorial information. A named clinical reviewer has not been assigned to this article. This guide provides general educational information and is not medical, clinical, insurance, or therapeutic advice.