✦ NO WAITLIST ✦ LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Baltimore
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
Licensed clinical psychologists providing in-person autism evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years in Baltimore, MD. 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 Baltimore, MD & Beyond
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Autism testing in Baltimore, MD is covered by most major insurance plans. We take care of verification and prior authorization on your behalf.
Trusted Autism Therapy Clinic In Baltimore, MD
Serving families across Baltimore and surrounding areas, including Towson, Catonsville, Dundalk, and Glen Burnie, with autism testing and diagnostic evaluations.
Welcome to AutismCOE, a trusted provider of autism diagnostic evaluations in Baltimore. Our compassionate, evidence-based approach helps families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) get the clarity and confirmed diagnosis they need to take the next step, with a direct path into In-Home ABA Therapy once testing is complete.
Each evaluation is tailored to your child’s developmental profile and completed with careful clinical attention. Families receive clear recommendations to help them make informed decisions.
Why Families Choose AutismCOE
Pediatric hospitals and developmental pediatricians across Baltimore, MD regularly have months-long waitlists for autism evaluations. Early intervention means earlier progress, and research consistently shows earlier autism treatment drives better outcomes.
From your first call to a written diagnostic report — typically completed in under 6 weeks, including insurance authorization.
Licensed Psychologist-Led
Your child’s evaluation is conducted by a licensed clinical psychologist experienced in autism assessments, providing an accurate diagnosis and personalized recommendations.
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
After the evaluation, you’ll receive a detailed diagnostic report and a feedback session to review the results and discuss the next steps.
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, our experienced team can help you better understand your child’s developmental needs and guide you toward the right next steps.
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 autism diagnostic evaluation is carefully designed to deliver accurate insights, meaningful recommendations, and the guidance families need to make informed decisions.
🗣️
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
Receive a detailed diagnostic evaluation report with personalized recommendations, followed by a 1:1 session to review the findings and discuss next steps.
What Happens After Diagnosis
A Diagnosis Is the Beginning — Not the End
Many Baltimore families find themselves stuck on a second waitlist right after an autism diagnosis, searching for an ABA therapy provider, going through insurance verification all over again, and waiting additional months before therapy even begins.
AutismCOE eliminates that gap by keeping your assessment and therapy team in one place. Once your child is enrolled, we kick off insurance authorization for ABA therapy in Baltimore that same week, with In-Home ABA Therapy available throughout Baltimore and across Maryland.
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 Baltimore, MD
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 Start ABA Therapy in Baltimore, MD?
Once your child’s autism diagnostic evaluation is complete and a diagnosis is confirmed, AutismCOE begins insurance authorization the same week. Since our assessment and therapy teams work together, your child can typically start In-Home ABA Therapy without a second waitlist.
Is Autism Testing in Baltimore, MD Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Most major insurance providers, including Maryland Medicaid, cover autism diagnostic evaluations when recommended by a pediatrician or based on developmental concerns. Our team verifies your benefits and handles prior authorization on your behalf.
What Ages Do You Evaluate?
AutismCOE provides autism evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years, using ADOS-2 gold-standard testing matched to your child’s age and developmental level.
Who Designs My Child's ABA Program?
A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs your child’s ABA treatment plan, based directly on the results of their autism diagnostic evaluation and ongoing progress data.
Do You Also Support Children with ADHD?
Yes. Our licensed clinical psychologists assess children for ADHD as part of a comprehensive developmental evaluation, since ADHD symptoms can sometimes overlap with or accompany Autism Spectrum Disorder.
What Areas Do You Serve Around Baltimore, MD?
We serve families throughout Baltimore and surrounding communities, including Towson, Catonsville, Dundalk, Glen Burnie, and Pikesville, offering both autism diagnostic evaluations and In-Home ABA Therapy.
Can ADHD and Autism Have Similar Symptoms?
Yes. ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder can share overlapping signs, such as difficulty with focus, social interaction, or behavioral regulation. A comprehensive evaluation helps distinguish between the two and ensures your child receives the right diagnosis and support plan.
What If My Child Does Not Qualify for ABA Therapy?
If your child’s evaluation results don’t indicate a need for ABA therapy, our team will still provide a detailed report and guide you toward appropriate next steps, including other developmental or educational resources, based on your child’s specific needs.
Do I Need a Referral from My Pediatrician?
A referral is not always required, though some insurance plans may request one for coverage purposes. Our team can confirm referral requirements as part of your free insurance verification before scheduling your autism evaluation.
What Is Applied Behavior Analysis and Why Does It Work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach that teaches positive skills like communication and social interaction while reducing challenging behaviors, using consistent reinforcement strategies proven effective for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
What Is the ADOS-2 and Why Does It Matter?
The ADOS-2 is a gold-standard, research-validated assessment tool used to observe a child’s communication, social interaction, and behavior in a structured, play-based setting, helping psychologists reach an accurate autism diagnosis.
How Long Does ABA Therapy Last at AutismCOE?
The length of ABA therapy depends on each child’s individual needs and goals. Our clinical team regularly reviews progress through the diagnostic process and treatment plan to ensure therapy continues only as long as it’s driving meaningful results.