✦ NO WAITLIST ✦ LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Chesapeake
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
Licensed psychologists provide in-person autism testing and diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years in Chesapeake, VA, giving your family the clarity you need without a 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 Chesapeake, VA & Beyond
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Autism testing in Chesapeake, VA is covered by most major insurance plans. We handle verification and prior authorization on your behalf.
Best ABA Therapy in Chesapeake, VA
Serving families across Chesapeake and surrounding areas, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Portsmouth, with autism testing and diagnostic evaluations.
Welcome to our autism care team, a trusted provider of autism diagnostic evaluations and evidence based in-home ABA therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our compassionate approach helps families get the clarity and confirmed diagnosis they need to take the next step, with a clear path into personalized, in-home therapy once diagnosis is complete.
Why Families Choose AutismCOE
Pediatric hospitals and developmental pediatricians across Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake 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 can give your family 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.
🧸
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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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.
We eliminate that gap by keeping your evaluation and therapy team in one place. Once your child is diagnosed, we kick off insurance authorization for in-home ABA therapy in Chesapeake that same week, with in-home options available throughout Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake, VA?
Most families are scheduled for their autism evaluation within 2 to 4 weeks of their first call, far faster than the 6 to 12 month wait typical of hospital systems and specialist offices across the region. From your initial consultation to a completed diagnostic report, the full process is usually finished in under 6 weeks, including insurance authorization, so your family isn’t left waiting for answers.
Is Autism Testing in Chesapeake, VA Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Autism testing in Chesapeake is covered by most major insurance plans, including VA Medicaid. Our team handles benefits verification and prior authorization on your behalf at no cost to you, so there’s no added paperwork burden or confusion about what’s covered before your child’s appointment.
What Ages Do You Evaluate?
We provide autism diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months through 14 years. Each assessment uses tools appropriate to the child’s developmental stage and language level, ensuring toddlers and older children alike receive an accurate, age-appropriate evaluation.
Who Performs the Evaluation?
Every evaluation is conducted and personally signed by a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with specialized expertise in early childhood development and autism spectrum disorder assessment. This ensures your child’s results carry the clinical weight needed to be accepted by insurers, schools, and physicians.
Do You Evaluate Children for ADHD?
Our evaluations are focused specifically on autism spectrum disorder, though our licensed psychologist carefully notes any signs of overlapping conditions, such as ADHD, that may appear during testing and warrants a separate referral for further assessment.
Which Areas Do You Serve?
We provide autism diagnostic evaluations and ABA therapy to families throughout Chesapeake as well as Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Portsmouth, making consistent, gold-standard care accessible across the greater Hampton Roads area.
Can ADHD and Autism Have Similar Symptoms?
Yes. ADHD and autism can share overlapping traits, including difficulty with attention, transitions, and social interaction, which can make the two conditions hard to tell apart without proper testing. A thorough evaluation by a licensed psychologist helps ensure your child receives an accurate diagnosis and the right plan going forward.
What If My Child Does Not Receive an Autism Diagnosis?
If your child does not meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis, you’ll still walk away with a full written report outlining clear findings from the evaluation. Where relevant, we also provide recommendations for other services or specialists that may better address your child’s specific needs.
Do I Need a Referral from My Pediatrician?
A referral is not required to schedule an autism evaluation with our team. Families can reach out directly to get started, though we’re always happy to coordinate with your child’s pediatrician and accept referrals for families who prefer going through their doctor first.
Can My Child Start ABA Therapy After Diagnosis?
Yes. If your child qualifies for a diagnosis, we begin insurance authorization for in-home ABA therapy in Chesapeake that same week. This keeps your evaluation and therapy team in one place, so your family moves directly into treatment without searching for a second provider or facing another waitlist.
What Is the ADOS-2 and Why Does It Matter?
The ADOS-2 is the gold-standard, research-validated assessment tool used to observe a child’s communication, social interaction, and behavior in a structured, play-based setting. It’s widely considered one of the most reliable instruments available for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder, which is why it forms the core of every evaluation we conduct.
Where Can My Child Get Tested for an Autism Diagnosis in Chesapeake, VA?
Your child can get tested through our autism diagnostic evaluation service, conducted in person by a licensed psychologist using the ADOS-2 and standardized parent interviews. The full process, from your first call to a written diagnostic report, is designed to give Chesapeake families clear answers within weeks rather than months.