✦ NO WAITLIST ✦ LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Chesterfield
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
Licensed psychologists provide in-person autism testing and evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years in Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, VA & Beyond
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Autism testing in Chesterfield, VA is covered by most major insurance plans. We handle verification and prior authorization on your behalf.
Best ABA Therapy in Chesterfield, VA
Serving Richmond, Midlothian, Henrico, North Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, and Chester Areas
AutismCOE is a trusted provider of autism diagnostic evaluations for families in Chesterfield, VA. Our mission is to deliver accurate, compassionate assessments for children showing signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental differences.
Our licensed psychologists work closely with families to gain a clear, complete picture of each child’s strengths, challenges, and needs, laying the groundwork for the right next steps in care.
Why Families Choose AutismCOE
Chesterfield families often encounter waitlists of several months when seeking an autism evaluation through traditional providers. An earlier diagnosis opens the door to earlier intervention, and research points to stronger long-term outcomes when support starts sooner.
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 Chesterfield is conducted and signed off by a licensed psychologist with specialized training in early childhood development, with reports recognized by insurers, schools, and physicians alike.
Gold-Standard Tools (ADOS-2)
Our assessments rely on the ADOS-2, a research-validated tool widely regarded as the gold standard in autism testing, administered in a relaxed, play-based format your child can feel at ease with.
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 Chesterfield 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
Each evaluation follows a clear process designed to deliver reliable insights, actionable recommendations, and the clarity families need to plan their next steps.
🗣️
Parent Interview & History
A detailed conversation covering your child’s developmental milestones, medical background, and the everyday behaviors you’ve observed at home.
🧸
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
Research-backed parent and caregiver questionnaires that benchmark your child’s development against typically developing peers of the same age.
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Written Report & Feedback Session
A comprehensive diagnostic report accepted by Chesterfield area insurers and schools, along with a dedicated 1:1 session to walk through results and outline next steps.
What Happens After Diagnosis
A Diagnosis Is the Beginning — Not the End
After receiving a diagnosis, many Chesterfield families end up on a second waitlist, hunting for an ABA provider, restarting insurance verification, and losing additional months before therapy actually starts.
AutismCOE removes that extra step by handling both evaluation and therapy under one team. Once your child is diagnosed, we start insurance authorization for ABA therapy in Chesterfield that same week, with in-home services available throughout Chesterfield and the surrounding area.
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 Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, VA?
Unlike many pediatric hospitals and developmental clinics where waitlists can stretch six months or longer, AutismCOE typically schedules autism evaluations for Chesterfield families within weeks. This faster timeline means your family gets clarity sooner and can begin planning next steps without unnecessary delay.
Is Autism Testing in Chesterfield Covered by Insurance?
Yes, in most cases. AutismCOE works with major insurance providers, including VA Medicaid, and handles benefit verification and prior authorization on your behalf, so your family doesn’t have to manage the process alone.
What Ages Do You Evaluate?
We provide comprehensive autism evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years. Evaluating early, particularly during the toddler and preschool years, allows families to access early intervention services sooner, which research links to stronger long-term outcomes.
Who Performs the Evaluation?
Every evaluation is conducted and signed off by a licensed psychologist with specialized expertise in early childhood development and autism spectrum disorder. Reports are recognized by insurers, schools, and physicians throughout the Chesterfield area.
Do You Evaluate Children for ADHD?
Our evaluations are primarily focused on autism spectrum disorder, though our psychologists are trained to identify overlapping developmental and behavioral concerns, including attention-related difficulties, during the assessment. Families with specific ADHD concerns are welcome to raise them during the initial consultation.
Do You Serve Chesterfield & Nearby Areas?
Yes. AutismCOE provides autism diagnostic evaluations and ABA therapy for families throughout Chesterfield, along with nearby communities including Richmond, Midlothian, Henrico, North Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, and Chester.
Can ADHD and Autism Have Similar Symptoms?
Yes, autism spectrum disorder and ADHD can share overlapping traits such as difficulty with attention, impulsivity, or social interaction, which is why a comprehensive, gold-standard evaluation matters. Our licensed psychologists are trained to distinguish between these conditions and identify when both may be present.
What If My Child Does Not Receive an Autism Diagnosis?
Not every evaluation results in an autism diagnosis, and that’s meaningful information too. If your child doesn’t meet criteria for ASD, we’ll explain what the results do show, including any other developmental or behavioral concerns identified, along with recommendations for next steps if needed.
Do I Need a Referral from My Pediatrician?
A referral isn’t required to schedule an autism evaluation with AutismCOE, though families are welcome to bring one if their pediatrician has provided it. You can contact us directly to begin scheduling.
Can My Child Start ABA Therapy After Diagnosis?
Yes. If your child receives an autism diagnosis, AutismCOE can begin insurance authorization for ABA therapy the same week, keeping your family within one connected care team instead of starting a new search with a different provider.
What Is the ADOS-2 and Why Does It Matter?
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) 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. It’s considered one of the most reliable instruments available for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder and is widely accepted by insurers and schools.
How Long Does an Autism Evaluation Take?
The evaluation typically combines a parent interview, direct observation using tools like the ADOS-2, and standardized rating scales, often completed within a single comprehensive appointment. Following testing, families receive a full written report within approximately two weeks.