✦ NO WAITLIST ✦ LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Virginia Beach
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
AutismCOE provides autism testing and diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 months to 14 years in Virginia Beach, VA, led by Licensed Psychologists with no long 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 Virginia Beach & Beyond
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Autism testing in Virginia Beach is covered by most major insurance plans. We take care of verification and prior authorization on your behalf.
Trusted Autism Therapy Clinic In Virginia Beach, VA
Serving families across Virginia Beach and surrounding areas, including Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Suffolk, with autism testing and diagnostic evaluations.
AutismCOE is a trusted provider of autism diagnostic evaluations in Virginia Beach. 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
236 Mustang Trail, Suite 105, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Why Families Choose AutismCOE
Pediatric hospitals and developmental pediatricians across Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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.
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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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 in Virginia Beach that same week, with center-based and in-home options available throughout Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA?
Most families in Virginia Beach are scheduled for an autism evaluation within 2 to 4 weeks of their initial consultation. From your first call to a completed written diagnostic report, the entire process is typically finished in under 6 weeks, including insurance authorization. No months-long hospital waitlist, no unnecessary delays.
Is Autism Testing in Virginia Beach, VA Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Autism testing in Virginia Beach is covered by most major insurance plans, including VA Medicaid. AutismCOE handles verification and prior authorization on your behalf, so families know exactly what is covered before the evaluation begins.
What Ages Do You Evaluate?
AutismCOE provides autism diagnostic evaluations for children from 18 months to 14 years old. Early evaluation is strongly recommended, as an early diagnosis opens the door to ABA therapy, school accommodations, and early intervention services that can significantly shape your child’s long-term development.
Who Performs the Evaluation?
Every autism evaluation in Virginia Beach is personally conducted by Dr. Kellea Stone, Psy.D., a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment. Dr. Stone uses the ADOS-2 alongside a comprehensive parent interview to deliver accurate, reliable results your family, insurer, and school can trust.
Do You Evaluate Children for ADHD?
Our primary focus is autism diagnostic evaluations. During the assessment process, our Licensed Clinical Psychologist may identify overlapping developmental concerns. Families are encouraged to contact our team directly to discuss their child’s specific needs and determine the most appropriate evaluation pathway.
Which Areas Do You Serve for Autism Testing Near Virginia Beach?
AutismCOE provides autism testing and diagnostic evaluations for families across the Hampton Roads region, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Contact our team to confirm availability in your area and schedule your child’s evaluation today.
Can ADHD and Autism Have Similar Symptoms?
Yes. ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder share several overlapping characteristics, including attention difficulties, impulsivity, and challenges with social interaction. A comprehensive autism evaluation by a Licensed Clinical Psychologist is the most reliable way to get an accurate diagnosis and ensure your child receives the right support.
What If My Child Does Not Receive an Autism Diagnosis?
A no-autism outcome is still a valuable outcome. If your child does not meet the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, our Licensed Clinical Psychologist will explain the findings clearly and provide recommendations for other support services, therapy options, or further assessment that may benefit your child’s development.
Do I Need a Referral from My Pediatrician?
No referral is required to schedule an autism evaluation in Virginia Beach at AutismCOE. Families can contact us directly to begin the process. However, if your insurance plan requires a referral for coverage purposes, our team will guide you through those steps during the benefits verification process.
Can My Child Start ABA Therapy with You After Diagnosis?
Yes. One of the key advantages of choosing AutismCOE is that your child can move directly from autism diagnostic evaluation into ABA therapy in Virginia Beach without starting over with a new provider. Once diagnosed, we begin insurance authorization for ABA therapy that same week, with both center-based and in-home options available.
What Is the ADOS-2 and Why Does It Matter?
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is the gold-standard, research-validated tool used worldwide for autism testing. At AutismCOE, every evaluation includes ADOS-2 administration in a calm, play-based setting, ensuring your child’s assessment is accurate, thorough, and accepted by insurers, schools, and physicians across Virginia Beach and beyond.
How Long Does an Autism Evaluation Take at AutismCOE?
The evaluation session itself typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on your child’s age and needs. Following the assessment, families receive a comprehensive written diagnostic report within 2 weeks of testing, along with a dedicated feedback session to walk through results and outline your child’s recommended next steps.