✦ NO WAITLIST ✦ LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Durham
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
Licensed psychologist-led autism testing and diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years in Durham, NC, with quicker appointments and personalized support.
✔ 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 Durham & the Triangle
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Autism testing in Durham, NC is covered by most major insurance providers, including Medicaid. We handle verification and authorization for you.
Trusted Autism Therapy Clinic in Durham, NC
Serving families across Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and the Research Triangle with autism testing, diagnostic evaluations, and ABA therapy services.
AutismCOE provides compassionate ABA therapy and diagnostic services for families across Durham, NC. Our evidence-based approach helps children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) build communication, social, and daily living skills through personalized care.
Our ABA Therapy Clinic
1000 Park Forty Plaza, Suite #110,
Durham, NC 27713
Why Families Choose AutismCOE
Across the Triangle, hospital-based developmental clinics are booking autism testing Durham NC families request 6 to 12 months out. That gap matters, research consistently shows children who start support earlier make faster, more lasting progress.
From your first call to a written diagnostic report — typically completed in under 6 weeks, including insurance authorization.
Licensed Psychologist-Led
A licensed psychologist with focused training in early childhood development personally evaluates and signs off on each case — results that insurers, schools, and physicians all recognize without question.
Gold-Standard Tools (ADOS-2)
Testing relies on the ADOS-2, the same clinically validated, research-backed tool used by leading autism centers delivered through relaxed, play-based sessions kids actually enjoy.
A Report You Can Use Immediately
Within two weeks of your child’s testing, you’ll have a complete written evaluation in hand, ready to support insurance approval, school services, and therapy planning.
One Team From Diagnosis to Therapy
A qualifying diagnosis means your child moves straight into ABA, speech, or our Early Intervention Program no new provider search, no second waitlist to sit through.
Is an Evaluation Right for Your Child?
Signs Parents Often Notice First. No one knows your child better than you do. If a few of these sound familiar, scheduling a developmental evaluation in Durham, NC can give your family clear answers whatever the outcome turns out to be.
Limited eye contact, or no response to their name by 12 months
Repetitive movements like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning
Choosing to play alone, or struggling to connect with other kids
Delayed speech, words that disappear, or few gestures like pointing and waving
Strong reactions to sounds, textures, lights, or changes in routine
Narrow, intense interests, or lining up toys rather than imaginative 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
Our evaluation process is designed to provide families with clear, evidence-based answers and a complete understanding of their child’s developmental needs.
🗣️
Parent Interview & History
A guided conversation covering developmental milestones, medical background, and the everyday observations only you would know.
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ADOS-2 Direct Assessment
A structured, play-based session that observes communication, social interaction, and behavior, calibrated to your child’s age and language ability.
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Standardized Rating Scales
Research-backed parent and caregiver questionnaires that measure your child’s development against expected milestones for their age.
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Written Report & Feedback Session
A complete diagnostic report recognized by insurance providers and schools, paired with a 1:1 session to review findings and plan next steps.
What Happens After Diagnosis
A Diagnosis Is the Beginning — Not the End
Most families hit a second waitlist right after diagnosis: searching for an ABA provider, redoing insurance verification, and waiting months before therapy actually starts. At AutismCOE, your evaluation team and your therapy team work under the same roof.
If your child is diagnosed with autism, we can start insurance authorization for ABA therapy in Durham, NC that same week, whether you choose center-based care near Southpoint or in-home sessions anywhere across the Triangle.
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 Durham, 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 Soon Can My Child Be Seen for an Autism Evaluation in Durham?
Most Durham families get an appointment within 2 to 4 weeks of their first call, compared to the 6 to 12 month wait common at hospital-based clinics. Your written diagnostic report follows within 2 weeks of testing, so the entire process from first contact to results usually wraps up in under six weeks.
Is an Autism Evaluation Covered by Insurance in Durham, NC?
Yes, most commercial insurance plans and NC Medicaid cover autism diagnostic evaluations. We run a free benefits check before you ever schedule, so you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t, with no billing surprises after the fact.
What Ages Does AutismCOE Evaluate for Autism?
We evaluate children from 18 months through 14 years old. Catching developmental differences early matters: research consistently links earlier diagnosis with stronger outcomes in communication, social skills, and daily functioning.
Who Actually Performs the Autism Evaluation?
A licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in early childhood development and the ADOS-2 conducts and signs every evaluation. Reports are accepted by insurance carriers, schools, and pediatricians across North Carolina.
Do You Also Evaluate for ADHD Alongside Autism?
Yes. Our psychologist assesses for Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and overlapping developmental concerns in the same comprehensive evaluation, since the two conditions often present together and benefit from being assessed side by side.
What's the Difference Between an Autism Screening and a Full Diagnostic Evaluation?
A screening is a quick questionnaire that flags whether further testing might be needed, while a diagnostic evaluation is the in-depth assessment, using tools like the ADOS-2 plus a clinical interview, that actually results in a formal diagnosis. Free online screenings can’t replace a licensed psychologist’s evaluation, but they’re often a useful first step if you’re unsure where to start.
What If My Child Doesn't End Up With an Autism Diagnosis?
You’ll still walk away with answers. Our report outlines your child’s developmental profile and recommends concrete next steps, whether that’s speech therapy, a different type of evaluation, or simply continued monitoring.
Do I Need a Pediatrician Referral to Get an Autism Evaluation in Durham?
In most cases, no. Many insurance plans don’t require a referral for a diagnostic evaluation, though some Medicaid managed care plans do. We confirm what your specific plan requires during your free benefits check, so there’s no guesswork on your end.
Can ABA Therapy Start Right After My Child's Diagnosis?
Yes, this is one of the biggest advantages of evaluating with AutismCOE. If your child qualifies, we begin insurance authorization for ABA therapy the same week, with no second waitlist or separate provider search needed.
Can Autism and ADHD Look Similar in Young Children?
Yes, the two conditions can overlap in attention, social interaction, communication, and behavior, which is why a single evaluator assessing both gives a clearer picture. A comprehensive evaluation determines whether a child has autism, ADHD, or both, along with tailored recommendations either way.
Do You Offer Adult Autism Evaluations in Durham, NC?
Our evaluations are designed for children ages 18 months to 14 years rather than adults. If you’re an adult seeking an autism evaluation, we’d recommend reaching out to a provider that specializes in adult diagnostic testing.
Is the Evaluation Done In-Person, or Do You Offer Telehealth?
We evaluate exclusively in-person at our Durham clinic, we don’t offer telehealth assessments. Direct, face-to-face observation is part of how the ADOS-2 is administered accurately, and it gives our psychologist a complete, real-time picture of your child’s behavior that a video call simply can’t replicate.