✦ NO WAITLIST ✦ LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Chapel Hill
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
Licensed psychologists providing autism diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years in Chapel Hill, NC. Get the clarity your family needs without the long provider 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 Chapel Hill, NC & Beyond
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Autism testing in Chapel Hill, NC is covered by most major insurance plans, including NC Medicaid. We handle verification and prior authorization for you.
Best Autism Therapy In Chapel Hill, NC
Serving families across Chapel Hill and surrounding areas, including Durham, Cary, and Morrisville, with in-home ABA therapy and autism testing and diagnostic evaluations.
Welcome to AutismCOE, a trusted provider of both ABA therapy and autism diagnostic evaluations in Chapel Hill, NC. Our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Licensed Clinical Psychologists brings specialized experience in autism assessment and care.
Our compassionate, evidence-based approach helps families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) get the personalized care and support they need to take the next step, guided by a team that understands their child’s distinctive strengths and needs.
Why Families Choose AutismCOE
Pediatric hospitals and developmental pediatricians across Chapel Hill, NC regularly have months-long waitlists for ABA therapy. AutismCOE was built to close that gap, 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 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?
Trust What You’ve Already Noticed. No one observes your child as closely as you do. If any of these patterns feel familiar, our experienced Chapel Hill team can help you make sense of 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 evaluation at AutismCOE is carefully designed to deliver accurate insights, meaningful recommendations, and the guidance Chapel Hill 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.
📋
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 personalized ABA treatment plan accepted by insurers and schools, plus a dedicated 1:1 session to review goals and next steps.
What Happens After Diagnosis
A Diagnosis Is the Beginning — Not the End
Many Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill, NC that same week, with personalized in-home care available throughout Chapel Hill and across North Carolina.
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 Chapel Hill, NC
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 the evaluation process in Chapel Hill, NC?
Most families secure an appointment within weeks, not the months-long waitlists common at other Chapel Hill and Triangle-area providers. We understand how stressful waiting for answers can be, which is why we prioritize scheduling your child’s evaluation as quickly as possible.
Is autism testing in Chapel Hill, NC covered by insurance?
Yes. Autism diagnostic evaluations in Chapel Hill, NC are covered by most major insurance plans, including NC Medicaid. We handle all verification and prior authorization on your behalf before your appointment, so there are no surprises.
What Ages Do You Evaluate?
We provide autism diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years at our Chapel Hill, NC location. If your child falls outside this age range, our team will point you toward the right resources in the area.
What areas does AutismCOE serve around Chapel Hill?
AutismCOE proudly serves families across the greater Chapel Hill area, including Durham, Cary, and Morrisville. Our team works closely with each family to ensure children receive consistent, high-quality care wherever they are.
Do you also evaluate children for ADHD?
Yes. Our licensed psychologist assesses for ADHD alongside autism when clinically appropriate. Since the two conditions can present with overlapping behaviors, a comprehensive assessment helps clarify exactly what your child is experiencing so they receive an accurate diagnosis.
Can ADHD and autism have similar symptoms?
Absolutely. Both conditions can present with attention difficulties, impulsivity, and social challenges. A thorough evaluation using gold-standard tools like the ADOS-2 helps distinguish between the two and ensures your child receives a complete, accurate picture of their needs.
What if my child does not qualify for a diagnosis after the evaluation?
You still walk away with real answers. Our licensed psychologist outlines your child’s full developmental profile and recommends appropriate next steps, whether that involves other support services, speech therapy, or school accommodations. Clarity is valuable regardless of the outcome.
Do I need a referral from my pediatrician for an evaluation?
A referral is not required to schedule an autism evaluation in Chapel Hill, NC, though having one can sometimes help streamline insurance authorization. Our team will walk you through exactly what is needed based on your specific insurance plan.
What is the ADOS-2 and why does it matter?
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) is the gold-standard tool used by clinicians worldwide for autism assessment. It is play-based and child-friendly, designed to observe communication, social interaction, and behavior in a natural, comfortable setting. Results are accepted by schools, insurers, and specialists across North Carolina.
What happens during the diagnostic evaluation appointment?
Your child’s evaluation includes a structured parent interview, direct ADOS-2 assessment, and standardized rating scales, all conducted by a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in a calm, play-based setting. You’ll receive a detailed written report and a dedicated feedback session to review the results together.
Who designs my child's ABA program?
If your child qualifies for therapy following the evaluation, their ABA program is designed and led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with specialized expertise in early childhood development and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Treatment plans are fully accepted by insurers, schools, and physicians across North Carolina.
How Long Does ABA Therapy Last at AutismCOE?
The duration of ABA therapy varies depending on your child’s individual goals and progress. Our BCBAs conduct regular assessments and adjust treatment plans accordingly, ensuring your child is always working toward meaningful, measurable milestones.