✦ NO WAITLIST ✦ LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Raleigh
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
Licensed psychologists providing in-person autism evaluations in Raleigh, NC for children ages 18 months to 14 years. Skip the months-long hospital waitlist and get the clarity your family needs, fast.
✔ 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 Raleigh, NC & Beyond
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Autism testing in Raleigh, NC is covered by most major insurance plans. We take care of verification and prior authorization on your behalf.
Trusted Autism Therapy Clinic In Raleigh, NC
Serving families across Raleigh and surrounding areas, including Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and Garner, with autism testing and diagnostic evaluations in Wake County.
Welcome to AutismCOE, a trusted provider of autism diagnostic evaluations in Raleigh, NC. Our compassionate, evidence-based approach helps families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) get the clarity and confirmed diagnosis they need, without the months-long wait that comes with hospital systems and specialist offices in the Triangle.
Our ABA Therapy Clinic
4312 Wake Forest Rd., Suite 2L-2, Raleigh, NC 27609
Why Families Choose AutismCOE
Families across Raleigh, NC regularly face months-long waitlists for autism testing at local hospitals and clinics. Early diagnosis means earlier intervention, and research consistently shows earlier intervention drives better outcomes for children with ASD.
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 Raleigh 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 for autism testing in Raleigh, administered in a calm, play-based setting your child will feel comfortable in.
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 in Raleigh, NC can give you 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
Every evaluation is carefully designed 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 observations from daily life with your child.
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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 measure your child’s development against same-age peers.
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Written Report & Feedback Session
A full diagnostic report accepted by Raleigh area insurers and schools, plus a dedicated 1:1 session to review results and map out your next steps.
What Happens After Diagnosis
A Diagnosis Is the Beginning — Not the End
Many Raleigh families find themselves stuck on a second waitlist right after diagnosis, searching for an ABA provider, going through insurance verification all over again, and waiting additional months before therapy even begins.
AutismCOE eliminates that gap by keeping your evaluation and therapy team in one place. Once your child is diagnosed, we kick off insurance authorization for ABA therapy that same week, with center-based and in-home options available throughout Raleigh and 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 Raleigh, 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 Be Seen in Raleigh, NC?
Most families at AutismCOE are seen within weeks, not the months-long waitlists that are common at Raleigh hospital systems like WakeMed or UNC Rex. We understand how stressful the waiting period is for families, which is why we prioritize getting your child evaluated and into the right support as quickly as possible. Reach out today and our team will confirm your earliest available appointment.
Is Autism Testing in Raleigh, NC Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Autism testing in Raleigh, NC is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicaid, NC Medicaid, and commercial insurers. Our team handles all benefits verification and prior authorization on your behalf at no cost to you, so you can focus on your child, not the paperwork.
What Ages Do You Evaluate?
We provide autism diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years. Early evaluation is especially important, as an early ASD diagnosis opens the door to intervention during the most critical window of your child’s development.
Who Performs the Evaluation?
Every autism evaluation in Raleigh is personally conducted and signed by a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized expertise in early childhood development and ASD assessment. Our evaluations are accepted by insurers, schools, and physicians across North Carolina.
What Is Included in an Autism Evaluation at AutismCOE?
Every evaluation includes a structured parent interview and developmental history, a full ADOS-2 direct assessment, standardized rating scales completed by caregivers, and a comprehensive written diagnostic report. You also receive a dedicated feedback session where our psychologist walks you through the findings and recommendations in clear, simple language.
Do You Evaluate Children for ADHD?
Yes, we evaluate children for ADHD. Our team conducts comprehensive evaluations and recognizes that ADHD and autism can share overlapping characteristics. We work with families to better understand their child’s developmental profile and recommend appropriate next steps.
Do You Serve Families from Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and Surrounding Areas?
Yes. We serve families across the greater Raleigh area including Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Garner, Knightdale, Morrisville, and Holly Springs. If you are unsure whether we serve your area, give us a call and our team will help.
Can ADHD and Autism Have Similar Symptoms?
Yes. ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder share several overlapping signs, including difficulty with attention, impulse control, and social interaction. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation by a licensed psychologist is the most reliable way to get an accurate picture of your child’s profile and rule out or confirm either condition.
Do I Need a Referral from My Pediatrician?
A referral is not required to schedule an autism evaluation in Raleigh, though having one can sometimes help streamline insurance authorization. Our team will walk you through exactly what is needed based on your specific insurance plan so the process stays as simple as possible for your family.
Can My Child Start ABA Therapy with You After Diagnosis?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of choosing AutismCOE is that your child can move directly from diagnosis into ABA therapy in Raleigh without starting over with a new provider. We begin insurance authorization for therapy the same week your child is diagnosed, eliminating the second waitlist that most families face elsewhere.
What Is the ADOS-2 and Why Does It Matter?
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is the gold-standard tool for autism assessment worldwide. It is a structured, play-based observation conducted by a trained clinician that provides the most reliable and research-validated picture of your child’s communication, social interaction, and behavioral patterns. All AutismCOE evaluations use the ADOS-2.
How Long Does an Autism Evaluation Take at AutismCOE?
The evaluation session itself typically takes two to three hours. From your first call to receiving your comprehensive written diagnostic report, most families complete the full process in under six weeks, including insurance authorization.