✦ NO WAITLIST ✦ LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Richmond
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
Licensed psychologists providing in-person autism evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years in Richmond, VA. Get the clarity your family needs without the 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 Richmond, VA & Beyond
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Autism testing in Richmond, VA is covered by most major insurance plans. We take care of verification and prior authorization on your behalf.
Trusted Autism Therapy Clinic In Richmond, VA
Serving families across Richmond and surrounding areas, including Henrico, Chesterfield, Midlothian, and Short Pump, with autism testing and diagnostic evaluations.
Welcome to AutismCOE, a trusted provider of autism diagnostic evaluations. Our compassionate, evidence-based approach helps families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) get the clarity and confirmed diagnosis they need to take the next step.
Our ABA Therapy Clinic
804 Moorefield Park Dr., Suite 101 Richmond, VA 23236
Why Families Choose AutismCOE
Pediatric hospitals and developmental pediatricians across Richmond, VA regularly have months-long waitlists for autism testing. Early diagnosis means earlier intervention, and research consistently shows earlier intervention drives better outcomes.
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 Richmond 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, 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 Richmond, VA 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.
🗣️
Parent Interview & History
A structured developmental history covering milestones, medical background, and your observations from daily life with your child.
🧸
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
Validated parent and caregiver questionnaires that measure your child’s development against same-age peers.
📑
Written Report & Feedback Session
A full diagnostic report accepted by Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond and across Virginia.
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 Richmond, 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 Richmond, VA?
Most families at AutismCOE are seen within weeks, not the months-long waitlists that are common at Richmond hospital systems like Children’s Hospital of Richmond or VCU Health. 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 Richmond, VA Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Autism testing in Richmond, VA is covered by most major insurance plans including Virginia Medicaid. We handle all verification and prior authorization on your behalf before your child’s evaluation begins, so there are no surprises on your end. If you are unsure about your specific plan, contact us and we will look into it for you at no cost.
What Ages Do You Evaluate?
We provide autism diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years at our Richmond, VA location. If your child falls outside this age range, our team will do our best to point you toward the right resources in the Richmond area.
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. Our reports are fully accepted by insurers, schools, physicians, and therapy providers across Virginia, giving your family a document that actually opens doors.
Do You Evaluate Children for ADHD?
Yes. ADHD evaluations are available alongside autism assessments at our Richmond location. Since ADHD and autism can present with overlapping behaviors, a comprehensive evaluation helps clarify exactly what your child is experiencing so they receive the right support from the start.
Do You Serve Families from Henrico, Chesterfield, and Surrounding Areas?
Yes. We proudly serve families from across the Richmond, VA metro area including Henrico, Chesterfield, Midlothian, and Short Pump. If you have been searching for a pediatric autism evaluation near me, our Richmond location is conveniently accessible from all surrounding communities and we welcome families from across Central Virginia.
Can ADHD and Autism Have Similar Symptoms?
Absolutely. Both conditions can present with attention difficulties, impulsivity, and social challenges, which is why many children are initially assessed for one when the other may also be a factor. A thorough pediatric autism evaluation using gold-standard tools like the ADOS-2 helps distinguish between the two and ensures your child receives an accurate, complete diagnosis.
What If My Child Does Not Receive an Autism Diagnosis?
You still walk away with real answers. Our comprehensive written report outlines your child’s full developmental profile and recommends appropriate next steps, whether that involves other support services, additional therapy, or specific school accommodations. Clarity is valuable regardless of the outcome.
Do I Need a Referral from My Pediatrician?
A referral is not required to schedule an autism evaluation in Richmond, VA, 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. If your child receives an autism diagnosis, our team can begin insurance authorization for ABA therapy that same week. There is no second waitlist, no second provider search, and no starting over. Your child stays with a team that already knows them, which makes the transition into therapy significantly smoother.
What Is the ADOS-2 and Why Does It Matter?
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) is the gold-standard tool used by clinicians worldwide for autism assessment. It is play-based and child-friendly, designed to observe communication, social interaction, and behavior in a natural, comfortable setting. Results from ADOS-2 testing are accepted by schools, insurers, and specialists across Richmond, VA and throughout Virginia.
How Long Does an Autism Evaluation Take at AutismCOE?
The evaluation process typically spans one to two sessions depending on your child’s age and needs. Following the assessment, your comprehensive written diagnostic report is delivered within two weeks, so your family has everything needed to move forward with therapy, school support, or additional services without unnecessary delays.