NO WAITLIST • LICENSED PSYCHOLOGISTS
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Columbia
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
Licensed psychologist-led autism evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years in Columbia, MD. Skip the 6–12 month hospital waitlist and get the clarity your family needs.
- No waitlist — evaluation appointments available now
- 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
Get in Touch with Us
★★★★★ Trusted by hundreds of families across MD, VA, & NC
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Diagnostic evaluations are covered by most plans — we handle verification and authorization for you.
Best Autism Therapy Clinic In Columbia, MD
Serving families in Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, and the Baltimore areas
Welcome to AutismCOE, Columbia’s trusted provider of autism therapy. Our compassionate, evidence-based methods help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) make real progress, improving their skills and overall quality of life.
Our ABA Therapy Clinic
7226 Lee Deforest Dr, Unit 104, Columbia, MD 21046
Why Families Choose AutismCOE
Hospital systems and developmental pediatricians in Maryland routinely quote 6–12 month waits for an autism evaluation. Early diagnosis means earlier intervention — and research consistently shows earlier intervention drives better outcomes.
Licensed Psychologist-Led
Every evaluation 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, administered in a gentle, play-based setting your child will actually enjoy.
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 programs — no second provider search, 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 evaluation can give you clear answers — whatever the outcome.
Limited eye contact, or not responding to their name by 12 months
Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning
Preferring to play alone, or difficulty engaging with other children
Delayed speech, loss of words, or limited gestures like pointing and waving
Strong reactions to sounds, textures, lights, or changes in routine
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
Comprehensive by Design
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Parent Interview & History
A structured developmental history covering milestones, medical background, and your day-to-day observations.
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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 compare your child’s development with peers.
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Written Report & Feedback Session
A full diagnostic report accepted by insurers and schools, plus a 1:1 session to walk through results and next steps.
What Happens After Diagnosis
A Diagnosis Is the Beginning — Not the End
Most families face a second waitlist after diagnosis: finding an ABA provider, verifying insurance again, and waiting months for therapy to begin. At AutismCOE, your evaluation and therapy team are under one roof.
If your child receives an autism diagnosis, we can begin insurance authorization for ABA therapy the same week — center-based or in-home, in Columbia 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 Columbia, 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
How Quickly Can My Child be Seen?
Most families schedule their evaluation within 2–4 weeks of first contact — compared to 6–12 months at many hospital systems. Your written report follows within 2 weeks of testing.
Is the Evaluation Covered by Insurance?
Most commercial plans and Maryland Medicaid MCOs cover diagnostic evaluations. We verify your benefits for free before scheduling, so you’ll know exactly what’s covered — with no surprises.
What Ages Do You Evaluate?
We evaluate children from 18 months through 14 years. Early evaluation matters: research consistently shows earlier diagnosis and intervention lead to better long-term outcomes.
Who Performs the Evaluation?
A licensed psychologist with expertise in early childhood development and autism assessment conducts and signs every evaluation. Reports are accepted by insurance providers, schools, and physicians.
What If My Child Doesn't Receive an Autism Diagnosis?
Then you’ll have valuable answers either way. Our report identifies your child’s developmental profile and recommends appropriate next steps — whether that’s speech therapy, a different evaluation, or simple monitoring.
Do I Need a Referral from My Pediatrician?
Many plans don’t require a referral, though some Medicaid MCOs do. We’ll confirm exactly what your plan needs during your free benefits check and help collect any required paperwork.
Can My Child Start ABA Therapy with You After Diagnosis?
Yes — that’s one of the biggest advantages of evaluating with AutismCOE. If your child qualifies, we begin insurance authorization for ABA therapy immediately, with no second waitlist or provider search.