✦ NO WAITLIST ✦ LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Charlotte
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
Licensed psychologists providing autism diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years in Charlotte, 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 Charlotte, NC & Beyond
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Autism testing in Charlotte is covered by most major insurance plans, including NC Medicaid. We take care of verification and prior authorization for you.
Best Autism Therapy In Charlotte, NC
Empowering Children and Families Across Charlotte, Matthews, Concord, Huntersville, and Gastonia.
AutismCOE is one of the top providers of autism diagnostic evaluations in Charlotte, NC. We specialize in a variety of therapy and evaluation services, including ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
Our team is made up of caring professionals who are devoted to providing excellent, BCBA-led care. We are fully committed to creating personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each individual we help.
Why Families Choose AutismCOE
Pediatric hospitals and developmental pediatricians across Charlotte, NC regularly have months-long waitlists for autism diagnostic 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 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 clinical 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.
📋
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 Charlotte 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 in-home ABA therapy in Charlotte, NC that same week, with in-home options available throughout Charlotte and surrounding areas 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 Charlotte, 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 an Autism Evaluation in Charlotte, NC?
Most families can schedule an autism diagnostic evaluation within weeks, not months. Since AutismCOE has no long provider waitlist, your child can be seen by a licensed psychologist far sooner than through many traditional pediatric channels.
Is Autism Testing in Charlotte, NC Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Autism testing is covered by most major insurance plans, including NC Medicaid. Our team handles verification and prior authorization so your family doesn’t have to navigate the process alone.
What Ages Do You Evaluate?
We provide autism diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years, using assessment tools appropriate to each child’s developmental stage and language level.
Who Conducts My Child's Evaluation?
Every evaluation is led by a licensed psychologist experienced in autism assessments, using gold-standard tools like the ADOS-2 to ensure an accurate diagnosis and personalized recommendations.
Do You Also Evaluate Children with ADHD?
Yes. Our clinical team evaluates children for ADHD as well as autism, since the two conditions can present with overlapping symptoms that benefit from a thorough, professional assessment.
What Areas Do You Serve Around Charlotte, NC?
AutismCOE serves families throughout Charlotte and surrounding communities, including Matthews, Concord, Huntersville, and Gastonia, offering both in-home and center-based therapy and evaluation options depending on location availability.
Can ADHD and Autism Have Similar Symptoms?
Yes. Both conditions can involve difficulties with attention, communication, and social interaction, which is why a comprehensive evaluation using standardized tools is important for reaching an accurate diagnosis.
What If My Child Does Not Qualify for an Autism Diagnosis?
If your child does not meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis, we’ll still share the evaluation findings and recommend appropriate next steps, whether that’s another type of developmental support or continued monitoring.
Do I Need a Referral from My Pediatrician?
No referral is required to schedule an autism evaluation with AutismCOE. Families can reach out directly to begin the process, though we’re happy to coordinate with your pediatrician if needed.
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 play-based setting. It’s considered one of the most reliable instruments for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Where Can My Child Get Tested for a Diagnosis in Charlotte?
Your child can be tested directly through AutismCOE’s autism diagnostic evaluation program in Charlotte. Evaluations are led by a licensed psychologist and follow gold-standard protocols, so families receive accurate answers without long delays.
How Soon Can My Child Start In-Home ABA Therapy After Diagnosis?
If your child qualifies following the evaluation, we begin insurance authorization for in-home ABA therapy the same week, so there’s no second waitlist or separate provider search.