Autism Testing Centers In Alabama: Where To Get Tested

Getting tested for autism can be a life-changing step — whether you're a parent looking for answers about your child, a teen facing challenges at school, or an adult starting to understand lifelong differences. An autism diagnosis isn't about putting a label on someone — it’s about gaining clarity. With the right diagnosis, doors open to support, therapies, and resources that can make everyday life easier and more fulfilling.

Autism looks different in everyone. Some people struggle with social situations, changes in routine, or sensory overload. Others may have trouble expressing emotions or understanding social cues. No matter your age, if you or someone you love shows signs of autism, getting evaluated is a smart and empowering first move.

If you're in Alabama, you're not alone — there are many trusted centers across the state that offer autism testing. 

From children’s clinics to adult-focused programs and affordable university services, this guide will walk you through your options based on age, location, and unique needs. Let’s help you take the next step with confidence.

 Types of Autism Testing Services in Arizona

Not all autism testing looks the same. The process can vary depending on your age, symptoms, and whether you're seeking a quick screening or a full diagnosis. Here's a simple breakdown of the types of autism testing services available in Alabama:

 Diagnostic Evaluations for Children

For young children, early diagnosis is key. These evaluations are often done by a team that includes child psychologists, speech therapists, or developmental pediatricians. The goal is to carefully observe your child’s behavior, communication, and play — and compare it with typical development.

What it includes:

• Parent interviews
  
  
• Play-based assessments
  
  
• Speech/language tests
  
  
• Observation of social skills
  
  

These evaluations help parents understand whether their child is on the autism spectrum and what kind of early support would be most helpful.

 Autism Testing for Teens and Adults

Older kids and adults can sometimes be missed earlier in life — especially if they mask symptoms or were misdiagnosed. Autism testing for teens and adults usually focuses on social history, patterns of behavior, and how autism shows up in day-to-day life.

What it includes:

• Personal interviews
  
  
• Questionnaires about daily habits and social skills
  
  
• Feedback from family or teachers
  
  
• Cognitive or psychological testing (sometimes)
  
  

These tests are designed to identify autism signs that may not have been obvious in childhood but still affect relationships, school, or work.

Developmental Screenings vs. Comprehensive Assessments

Not sure where to start? Some clinics offer developmental screenings, which are shorter check-ins that help flag possible signs of autism. They’re a good first step — especially for toddlers or when you’re unsure if a full evaluation is needed.

If signs of autism are clear, a comprehensive assessment is the next step. This is a more in-depth process done by licensed specialists, and it leads to a formal diagnosis if needed.

Who Performs Autism Testing in Alabama?

Depending on where you go, evaluations can be done by:

• Developmental pediatricians
  
  
• Licensed psychologists
  
  
• Neuropsychologists
  
  
• Autism centers with multi-specialist teams
  
  

Each has their own testing tools, but all aim to understand how the brain processes the world — especially social cues, communication, and behavior.

 Top Places to Get Tested for Autism in Arizona

Here are some of the top places in Alabama to get a comprehensive autism evaluation—organized to help you find the right fit based on age, services, and location:

 Glenwood (Birmingham) – Child & Adult Testing

• Who: Kids from 18 months to age 21; adults through their adult services program
  
  
• What: Full-day developmental assessments by psychologists, speech therapists, and OTs; written reports and same-day feedback; diagnoses of autism and related conditions
  
  
• Details: Accepts major insurances and Medicaid; typical wait 6 weeks to 6 months
  
  
• Contact: 614 38th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35222 | Intake: (205) 939‑1088, intake@glenwood.org (Glenwood, Glenwood)
  
  

 UAB Medical Autism Clinic (Children’s Hospital, Birmingham)

• Who: Children with a prior autism diagnosis
  
  
• What: Medical-focused evaluation and management—includes genetic, motor, feeding, sleep, and speech assessments (Hopebridge, The University of Alabama at Birmingham)
  
  
• Contact: 1600 7th Ave S, Clinic 7, Birmingham, AL 35233 | (205) 638‑5277
  
  

 Upward Behavioral Health (Birmingham & Telehealth)

• Who: Children (2–17) and adults (22+)
  
  
• What: Neurodiversity-affirming autism/ADHD evaluations—reports, feedback sessions, and treatment planning; telehealth options available (Upward Behavioral Health)
  
  
• Contact: (205) 983‑4063 | info@upwardbehavioralhealth.com
  
  

 Tree of Life Behavioral Health (Madison)

• Who: Adults, teens, children
  
  
• What: Outpatient autism and ADHD testing (plus sliding-scale therapy); autism assessment ~$550 with sliding scale options
  
  
• Contact: 190 Lime Quarry Rd, Ste 111, Madison, AL 35758 | (256) 278‑2802 (Tree of Life Behavioral Health)
  
  

 The CORE Project ASD Clinic (Mobile & Daphne)

• Who: Children suspected of having autism
  
  
• What: Comprehensive ASD diagnostic evaluations; post-diagnosis support and referrals
  
  
• Contact (Mobile): 669 Azalea Rd / 2448 Gordon Smith Dr | (251) 422‑1827 (coreprojectinc.com)
  
  

 University of Alabama ASD Clinic (Tuscaloosa)

• Who: Kids and families facing ASD or related concerns
  
  
• What: Comprehensive assessments, intervention planning, research opportunities, and consultation services
  
  
• Contact: 904 Anna Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 | (205) 348‑3130, autismclinic@ua.edu (autism-clinic.ua.edu)
  
  

 Easterseals Central Alabama (Montgomery)

• Who: Children with ASD
  
  
• What: Diagnostic clinic featuring speech pathologists and psychologists; plus therapy, preschool programs, and community networking
  
  
• Contact: 5960 E Shirley Ln, Montgomery, AL 36117 | (334) 395‑4489 (Easterseals)
  
  

 Alabama Clinics Autistic Treatment Center

• Who: All ages with ASD
  
  
• What: Full diagnostic and treatment services (via psychiatry/clinic setting) (alabamaclinics.com)
  
  

 Dr. Hannah Price, Birmingham Psychology Group

• Who: Toddlers (30 months+) through adults
  
  
• What: Psychological assessments for autism and ADHD, plus academic and behavioral evaluations 
  
  
• Contact: Birmingham, AL | (205) 822‑7348 
  
  

City-by-City Guide to Autism Testing Locations in Alabama

 Low-Cost or Free Autism Testing Options in Alabama

1. The Arc of Madison County — PAAD Clinic (Huntsville, Decatur, Dothan, Auburn, Gadsden)

•  Ages 2–5 years
  
  
• Accepts Medicaid, BCBS, TRICARE, ALL Kids, and self-pay with low out-of-pocket fees
  
  
• Wait Time: Typically 3–4 months, much shorter than many clinics in the state 
  
  
• Low-cost goal: Designed to serve low-income families with minimal costs
  
  

Also Read Autism Diagnosis Centers In Arizona

2. Easterseals Central Alabama — ASD Diagnostic Clinic (Montgomery)

•  Tests children (from ~18 months), teens, and adults
  
  
• Team includes speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists 
  
  
• Accepts major insurance and offers limited scholarships and sliding-scale fees based on income
  
  
• Wait Time: Minimal to moderate, with results returned quickly to begin intervention promptly
  
  

3. Public School Evaluations (Statewide)

• Under U.S. federal law (IDEA), public schools must provide free special education evaluations — this includes developmental testing that can support autism diagnosis or special education services
  
  
• Especially useful for children within school age—ask your district about Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) if you disagree with the school’s report (Parents)
  
  

4. University Training & Research Clinics (Mobile area: University of South Alabama)

• University hospitals and psychology clinics may offer sliding-scale or supervised evaluations as part of student training or research studies
  
  
• For example, University of South Alabama psychology clinic in Mobile provides autism assessments for children and adults, overseen by licensed psychologists, often at significantly reduced cost
  
  

5. Vocational Rehabilitation Services (Statewide, including Huntsville & Mobile)

• Alabama’s Department of Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program may provide testing services—sometimes at no cost or with minimal cost-share, particularly for adults seeking autism evaluation connected to employment support
  
  

Do You Need a Referral for Autism Testing in Alabama?

It depends on your age, insurance, and where you go for testing.

For Children:

Most hospital-based and university clinics in Alabama require a referral from a pediatrician or primary care doctor. However, many private clinics and some telehealth providers do not need a referral — you can often call and book directly. Schools can evaluate for educational services, but this is separate from a medical diagnosis.

For Adults:

If you're using insurance, especially Medicaid or major health plans, a referral is usually required from your primary care doctor. But if you're paying out of pocket or using certain private or telehealth clinics, you can often schedule an evaluation without a referral.

Key Tip:

When in doubt, call the clinic you’re considering — they can tell you if you need a referral based on your insurance or situation.

Autism Testing for Adults in Alabama: What’s Different?

Autism isn’t only diagnosed in childhood — many adults in Alabama go undiagnosed for years because they learned to “mask” their traits or were misunderstood growing up. Today, more adults are seeking autism evaluations after recognizing signs in themselves.

What Makes Adult Testing Unique?

• Signs Are Subtle: In adults, autism might look like social exhaustion, anxiety, difficulty handling change, or intense focus on routines and interests. These signs are often mistaken for anxiety, ADHD, or simply personality quirks.
  
  
• Life Happens: Adults often have jobs, families, and responsibilities. Testing considers how you manage daily life — not just school or social situations.
  
  
• Choosing the Right Provider: Not all clinics in Alabama are experienced in adult autism diagnosis. It’s important to find one that specializes in adult evaluations or employs licensed psychologists familiar with adult autism traits.
  
  

Why Adults in Alabama Get Tested:

• To better understand themselves
  
  
• To access workplace or educational accommodations
  
  
• To connect with local support groups and services
  
  

If you’re an adult in Alabama thinking about getting tested, know that there are trusted providers statewide who understand adult autism and can help guide you through the process.

How Long Does Autism Testing Take in Alabama?

Getting tested for autism in Alabama is a thorough process that helps professionals understand a person’s unique strengths and challenges. It’s not just a quick appointment — it usually happens in clear steps.

Here’s What to Expect:

• Initial Call or Intake: You’ll fill out forms and might have a brief phone interview to share concerns and history.
  
  
• Wait Time: Depending on the clinic and location in Alabama, wait times can range from a few weeks to several months, especially at popular centers like Glenwood in Birmingham or the UA Autism Clinic in Tuscaloosa.
  
  
• Testing Day(s): You or your child may spend several hours with a psychologist or specialist completing activities like answering questions, doing puzzles, and talking about daily routines and behaviors.
  
  
• Parent or Caregiver Input: For kids and adults alike, family interviews help give a full picture of needs and strengths.
  
  
• Final Report: After testing, it usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to receive a detailed report with results and any diagnosis.
  
  

What Happens After the Diagnosis?

Getting a diagnosis in Alabama opens doors to many helpful supports and services:

• You’ll Receive a Written Report explaining the evaluation, diagnosis, and recommended next steps.
  
  
• You can start therapies such as ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), speech or occupational therapy, or join social skills groups or life coaching programs.
  
  
• Support for school or work may include IEP or 504 plans for accommodations.
  
  
• Eligibility for government assistance programs like DDD or Social Security benefits can also follow.
  
  
• Many people feel relief and empowerment after understanding what’s been going on.
  
  

Tip: Even if autism isn’t diagnosed, testing can uncover other needs like anxiety, ADHD, or learning differences — helping you or your loved one get the right support in Alabama.

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