✦ NO WAITLIST ✦ LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST

Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Goldsboro

Answers in Weeks, Not Months

Licensed psychologists provide autism diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years in Goldsboro, NC. Get the clarity your family needs without a 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 Goldsboro, NC & Beyond

We Accept Most Insurance Providers

Autism testing in Goldsboro, NC is covered by most major insurance plans, including NC Medicaid. We handle verification and prior authorization for you.

Best Autism Therapy In Goldsboro, NC

Serving families across Goldsboro and surrounding Wayne County communities, including Dudley, Pikeville, and Mount Olive, with autism testing and diagnostic evaluations.

Welcome to AutismCOE, a trusted provider of ABA therapy in Goldsboro, NC. Our clinical team, led by BCBAs and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, delivers evidence-based autism diagnostic evaluations and ABA therapy under one roof, giving families personalized care at every step.

Our therapists and evaluators draw on real clinical experience to understand your child’s unique strengths and challenges, then build a treatment plan grounded in proven, research-backed methods.

Why Families Choose AutismCOE

Pediatric hospitals and developmental pediatricians across Goldsboro often carry long waitlists for ABA therapy. Early intervention means earlier progress, and research consistently shows that starting autism treatment sooner leads to better outcomes.

Typical Hospital / Specialist Waitlist 6–12 months
AutismCOE Diagnostics 2–4 weeks to evaluation

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, delivering an accurate diagnosis paired with personalized recommendations.

Gold-Standard Tools (ADOS-2)

We rely on the most respected, research-validated assessment tools for autism testing, administered in a calm, play-based setting where your child feels comfortable.

A Report You Can Use Immediately

Once the evaluation wraps up, you’ll receive a thorough diagnostic report along with a feedback session to walk through the results and plan your 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?

You know your child better than anyone else. If some of these patterns sound familiar, our experienced team can help you make sense of your child’s developmental needs and point 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 structured to deliver accurate insights, meaningful recommendations, and the guidance families need to make informed decisions.

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Parent Interview & History

A structured developmental history covering milestones, medical background, and your day-to-day observations of your child.

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ADOS-2 Direct Assessment

A 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 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 Goldsboro families find themselves stuck on a second waitlist right after an autism diagnosis, searching for an ABA therapy provider, redoing insurance verification, and waiting additional months before therapy even begins.

AutismCOE closes that gap by keeping your assessment and therapy team in one place. Once your child is enrolled, we begin insurance authorization for ABA therapy in Goldsboro, NC the same week, with in-home ABA therapy available throughout Goldsboro and the surrounding area.

YOUR CHILD’S PATH AT AUTISMCOE

Diagnostic Evaluation

Licensed psychologist • ADOS-2 • written report

Insurance Authorization

We file everything — typically approved in 1–3 weeks

Personalized Treatment Plan

BCBA-designed goals for communication, social & daily living skills

Therapy Begins

Center-based or in-home ABA, speech & early intervention
Kellea Stone, PsyD ACOE

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 Goldsboro, NC

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Testimonial

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.

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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 Long Does an Autism Diagnostic Evaluation Take?

Most families complete the full evaluation process, from initial consultation to a written report, within a few weeks. Timelines can vary slightly depending on scheduling and insurance authorization, but our team works to keep the process moving without unnecessary delays.

Is Autism Testing in Goldsboro, NC Covered by Insurance?

Yes. Autism diagnostic evaluations in Goldsboro, NC are covered by most major insurance plans, including NC Medicaid. Our team handles verification and prior authorization on your behalf, so there are no surprises before testing begins.

What Ages Do You Evaluate?

We provide autism diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years. If your child falls outside this range, our team can help point you toward the right resources.

Who Conducts My Child's Evaluation?

Every evaluation is conducted by a Licensed Clinical Psychologist experienced in autism assessments, using gold-standard tools to ensure an accurate diagnosis and personalized recommendations.

Do You Also Evaluate Children with ADHD?

Yes. Children showing signs of ADHD can also benefit from a comprehensive evaluation. Since ADHD and autism can present with overlapping behaviors, a thorough assessment helps clarify exactly what your child is experiencing so they get the right support.

What Areas Does AutismCOE Serve?

AutismCOE provides autism evaluation and therapy services across multiple communities in North Carolina and Virginia. Contact our team to confirm availability and service options in your specific area.

Can ADHD and Autism Have Similar Symptoms?

Absolutely. Both conditions can involve attention difficulties, impulsivity, and social challenges. A thorough behavioral assessment using tools like the ADOS-2 helps distinguish between the two and ensures your child receives an accurate, complete picture of their needs.

What If My Child Does Not Qualify for a Diagnosis?

You still walk away with real answers. Our team outlines your child’s full developmental profile and recommends appropriate next steps, whether that involves other support services, speech therapy, or school accommodations. Clarity matters regardless of the outcome.

Do I Need a Referral from My Pediatrician for an Evaluation?

A referral isn’t required to schedule an autism diagnostic evaluation, though having one can sometimes help streamline insurance authorization. Our team walks you through exactly what’s 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 a gold-standard tool used by clinicians to assess autism. It’s play-based and child-friendly, designed to observe communication, social interaction, and behavior in a natural, comfortable setting, and its results are widely accepted by schools, insurers, and specialists.

Where Can My Child Get Tested for an Autism Diagnosis?

AutismCOE offers comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations conducted by a Licensed Clinical Psychologist using established assessment tools. A formal diagnosis can open access to ABA therapy, early intervention services, and school accommodations such as an IEP or 504 plan.

What Happens If My Child Qualifies for ABA Therapy After Diagnosis?

If your child qualifies, they can move directly into ABA therapy, speech therapy, or our Early Intervention Program without searching for a second provider or starting a new waitlist.