✦ NO WAITLIST ✦ LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Chester
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
Licensed psychologists providing in-person autism evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years in Chester, VA. Get the clarity your family needs without the long hospital waitlist.
✔ ADOS-2 Gold-Standard Testing
✔ Most insurance accepted, including Medicaid — we verify your benefits for free
✔ Comprehensive written report delivered within 2 weeks of testing
✔ Direct path to therapy — start ABA services without a second waitlist
Request Your Child’s Evaluation
Free benefits check — our team responds within one business day.
★★★★★ Trusted by Families Across Chester, VA & Beyond
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Most major insurance plans cover autism testing in Chester, VA. Our team handles insurance verification and prior authorization on your behalf, every step of the way.
Trusted Autism Therapy Clinic In Chester, VA
Serving families across Chester and surrounding areas, including Chesterfield, North Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg, with autism testing and diagnostic evaluations.
AutismCOE is a trusted provider of autism diagnostic evaluations, taking a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) get the clarity and confirmed diagnosis they need to take the next step.
Our ABA Therapy Clinic
16021 Continental Blvd, Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Why Families Choose AutismCOE
Pediatric hospitals and developmental pediatricians across Chester, VA regularly have months-long waitlists for autism testing. Early diagnosis means earlier intervention, and research consistently shows earlier intervention drives better outcomes.
From your first call to a written diagnostic report — typically completed in under 6 weeks, including insurance authorization.
Licensed Psychologist-Led
Every autism evaluation in Chester is conducted and signed by a licensed psychologist with expertise in early childhood development, accepted by insurers, schools, and physicians.
Gold-Standard Tools (ADOS-2)
We use the most respected, research-validated assessment instruments for autism testing, administered in a calm, play-based setting your child will feel comfortable in.
A Report You Can Use Immediately
Your comprehensive written report supports insurance authorization, IEP and school services, and therapy planning, delivered within 2 weeks of testing.
One Team From Diagnosis to Therapy
If your child qualifies, they can move directly into our ABA, speech, and Early Intervention Program with no second provider search and no second waitlist.
Is an Evaluation Right for Your Child?
Signs Parents Often Notice First. You know your child better than anyone. If any of these feel familiar, an autism evaluation at our Chester, VA clinic can give you clear answers, whatever the outcome.
Limited eye contact, or not responding to their name by 12 months
Preferring to play alone, or difficulty engaging with other children
Strong reactions to sounds, textures, lights, or changes in routine
Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning
Delayed speech, loss of words, or limited gestures like pointing and waving
Intense, narrow interests or lining up toys instead of pretend play
A diagnosis isn’t a label — it’s a roadmap. And if it’s not autism, you’ll know that too.
3 Steps to Clear Answers
Our staff supports you at each step — including all insurance paperwork.
1
Your Initial Consultation
We sit down with you (in person or by phone) to hear your story, review your child’s developmental history, and verify your insurance benefits. A no-judgment zone where your observations are valued.
2
The Evaluation
Using gold-standard tools like the ADOS-2, our licensed psychologist interacts with your child in a gentle, play-based session — observing communication, social, and behavioral patterns to build an accurate picture.
3
Results & Your Roadmap
We explain the findings in clear, simple language and hand you a comprehensive written report — with personalized recommendations for therapy, school support, and community resources.
What’s Included in Your Child’s Evaluation
Every evaluation is carefully designed to deliver accurate insights, meaningful recommendations, and the guidance families need to make informed decisions.
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Parent Interview & History
A structured developmental history covering milestones, medical background, and your observations from daily life with your child.
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ADOS-2 Direct Assessment
Play-based, standardized observation of communication, social interaction, and behavior, matched to your child’s age and language level.
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Standardized Rating Scales
Validated parent and caregiver questionnaires that measure your child’s development against same-age peers.
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Written Report & Feedback Session
A full diagnostic report accepted by Chester area insurers and schools, plus a dedicated 1:1 session to review results and map out your next steps.
What Happens After Diagnosis
A Diagnosis Is the Beginning — Not the End
Many Chester families find themselves stuck on a second waitlist right after diagnosis, searching for an ABA provider, going through insurance verification all over again, and waiting additional months before therapy even begins.
AutismCOE eliminates that gap by keeping your evaluation and therapy team in one place. Once your child is diagnosed, we begin insurance authorization the same week for ABA Therapy Services In Chester, VA, with center-based and in-home options available throughout Chester and across Virginia.
YOUR CHILD’S PATH AT AUTISMCOE
Diagnostic Evaluation
Insurance Authorization
Personalized Treatment Plan
Therapy Begins
Your Evaluation Is in Expert Hands
Dr. Kellea Stone, Psy.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in autism evaluations. Every assessment is personally conducted by Dr. Stone using the ADOS-2, the gold-standard tool for autism diagnosis, along with a comprehensive parent interview. Families receive clear answers, a thorough diagnostic report, and a compassionate evaluation experience they can trust.
Credentials at a Glance
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Psy.D.)
- Trained ADOS-2 Clinician
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Specialist
- Serving NC, VA & MD through AutismCOE
“Every family deserves clarity—not another year of waiting.” — Dr. Kellea Stone, Psy.D.
Trusted by Families in Chester, VA
Autism Center of Excellence has been a life-changer for our family. Our son was diagnosed with autism at 6 years old and we were overwhelmed and scared. Autism COE helped us understand his needs and strengths and provided him with individualized and evidence-based ABA therapy. He has learned so many skills and gained so much confidence. We can’t thank them enough for their support and guidance.
Parent of K*, 6 years old.
Let’s Take the First Step Together
One call. Free benefits check. Answers for your family in weeks — not months.
✦ Evaluation Appointments are Limited Each Month — Reserve Yours Today
Frequently Asked Questions & Answer
Got Questions? We Have Answers.
Find answers to common questions about autism evaluations.
How Quickly Can My Child Be Seen in Chester, VA?
Most families are seen within 2 to 4 weeks, significantly faster than many hospital systems and specialty clinics that often have waitlists lasting several months. From your initial consultation through insurance authorization and the completed diagnostic report, the entire process typically takes under 6 weeks.
Is Autism Testing in Chester, VA Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Autism testing and diagnostic evaluations in Chester are covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicaid. Our team handles insurance verification and any required prior authorization on your behalf at no additional cost before testing begins.
How Do I Choose the Best Autism Evaluation Provider in Chester, VA?
When choosing an autism evaluation provider, look for a practice that offers comprehensive, evidence-based assessments conducted by a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and uses research-validated tools such as the ADOS-2 when clinically appropriate. It’s also important to choose a provider that explains findings clearly, provides a comprehensive written report, and offers personalized recommendations to help families make informed decisions about next steps and available support.
What Happens During an Autism Evaluation?
The evaluation process includes a detailed developmental history, parent interviews, direct observation, and standardized assessment measures when appropriate. We take time to understand your child’s communication, social interactions, behaviors, and developmental concerns to provide a comprehensive and individualized evaluation.
What Tools are Used During the Evaluation?
We use the ADOS-2, a gold-standard, research-validated assessment tool, along with a structured parent interview and standardized rating scales. These measures help create a comprehensive developmental picture and support an accurate and evidence-based diagnostic process.
Do You Serve Families from Henrico, Chesterfield, and Surrounding Areas?
Yes. We proudly serve families throughout Chester and nearby communities, including Chesterfield, North Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, and surrounding areas. Conveniently located in South Chesterfield, our clinic welcomes families from across Central Virginia seeking autism testing and diagnostic evaluations.
What If My Child Does Not Receive an Autism Diagnosis?
If the evaluation does not result in an autism diagnosis, you will still receive clear answers and a comprehensive written report outlining your child’s developmental profile along with personalized recommendations and next-step guidance.
Do I Need a Referral from My Pediatrician?
No referral is required. Families can request an autism evaluation directly, and our team will guide you through the scheduling process and answer any questions before your appointment.
Can My Child Start ABA Therapy with You After Diagnosis?
Yes. If your child qualifies for services, they can transition directly into ABA therapy, speech services, and Early Intervention support without the need to begin a second provider search or join another waiting list.
What Is ADOS-2 and Why Does It Matter?
The ADOS-2 is a gold-standard, play-based assessment tool used to evaluate a child’s communication, social interaction, and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder. It is one of the most respected and widely used research-validated instruments for autism diagnosis.
How Long Does Testing Day Usually Take?
The length of testing can vary depending on your child’s age, developmental needs, and assessment requirements. Families receive guidance before their appointment so they know what to expect and can prepare for the evaluation process.
What Does the Diagnostic Report Include?
Your written report includes a developmental history, assessment findings, diagnostic conclusions when applicable, and personalized recommendations for therapy, educational planning, and community-based resources.