Autism Testing Centers In Illinois: 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 in school, or an adult trying to understand lifelong patterns. Autism testing isn’t about putting a label on someone. It’s about understanding how a person thinks, feels, and interacts with the world. With the right diagnosis, you can access therapies, services, and supports that make daily life easier and more fulfilling.

In Illinois, there are many trusted places that offer autism testing. Whether you’re looking for a top children’s hospital, a clinic that focuses on adult evaluations, or a university center with more affordable rates, this guide can help. We’ll show you where to go based on your age, location, and budget — so you can take the next step with confidence and support.

Who Might Want to Get Tested?

Autism can look different from person to person. Some people avoid eye contact or have trouble with back-and-forth conversations. Others may be very sensitive to sounds, textures, or changes in routine. Some people seem quiet or “quirky,” but have strong interests or skills in specific areas.

If you or someone you care about shows signs like these — no matter the age — getting tested can be an important and empowering step.

What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation

If you're thinking about getting tested for autism (for yourself or a loved one), it helps to know what to expect. An autism evaluation isn’t a quick yes-or-no test. Instead, it’s a careful, thorough look at how someone communicates, behaves, and understands the world. The goal is to better understand that person’s unique strengths and challenges.

How Autism Testing Works

The evaluation may include:

• Interviews – A specialist (such as a psychologist or developmental pediatrician) will ask questions about medical history, behavior, and development. If the person being tested is a child, parents or caregivers are usually involved.
  
  
• Observation – The clinician may watch how someone plays, interacts, or reacts in certain situations.
  
  
• Standardized Tests – These are structured tools used to measure things like thinking skills, language, and social communication.
  
  
• Questionnaires – You or your family might fill out forms that describe behaviors and challenges in everyday life.
  
  

For adults, the evaluation often focuses on lifelong experiences — especially social communication patterns, sensory sensitivities, and routines.

How Long Does It Take?

Autism testing can take several hours and may be split into multiple visits. Some clinics in Illinois offer full-team assessments (with different specialists), while others use just one provider. The time frame depends on your needs and the clinic’s process.

Costs and Insurance in Illinois

The cost of autism evaluations in Illinois can vary. Some private providers charge over $1,000, while university clinics and nonprofit centers may offer more affordable or sliding-scale options.

The good news is that many insurance plans in Illinois — including All Kids, Medicaid, and private plans under the Affordable Care Act — cover autism evaluations. To avoid surprises, call the provider ahead of time and ask:

• Do you accept my insurance?
  
  
• Are payment plans or sliding scale fees available?
  
  

City‑by‑City Guide to Autism Testing Locations in Illinois

 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Location

• Check your child’s age and needs: Some centers focus on early childhood, while others serve all ages.
  
  
• Look at service types: Are you seeking just diagnosis, or therapy referrals (like ABA, speech, occupational)?
  
  
• Review payment options: Many centers accept insurance and Medicaid, and some offer sliding scales or free services.
  
  
• Consider wait times: University clinics and non‑profits may have longer waitlists, but sometimes offer reduced‑cost testing or training-based appointments.
  
  
• Ask about telehealth: Some places (like UIC or Emory’s Illinois partner clinics) may offer virtual options.
  
  

How to Use This Guide

1. Think of the person who needs evaluation (child, teen, adult) and their strengths/challenges.
   
   
2. Find a center nearby with the right focus and services.
   
   
3. Visit the center’s website or call to confirm services, wait times, and costs.
   
   
4. Ask whether a referral is needed, how long the evaluation process takes, and what follow-up support is available.
   
   

Low‑Cost and Free Autism Testing Options in Illinois

Getting tested for autism doesn’t always have to be expensive. In Illinois, several trusted programs and centers offer free or low-cost evaluations—especially for families facing financial challenges.

University Training Clinics & Autism Programs

• University of Illinois Autism Clinic (UIUC) — Offers diagnostic evaluations under supervised graduate students at reduced rates. Accepts several private insurance plans. (magnetaba.com, psc.illinois.edu)
  
  
• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) — Through its Child & Family Development Center, Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic, and Neuropsychology Services, UIC offers evaluations for children and adults, often with Medicaid or sliding-scale options. (Rush University System for Health)
  
  
• The Autism Place at Illinois State University (Bloomington–Normal) — A no-cost program for children, staffed by supervised psychology and speech‑language students. Funded by grant support. (psychology.illinoisstate.edu)
  
  
• Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CASD) at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) — Offers free screening via telehealth and in-person diagnostic assessments at reduced cost, led by graduate clinicians supervised by licensed professionals. (Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders)
  
  
• EIU Autism Center (Eastern Illinois University, Charleston) — Screenings are free. Full evaluations cost around $500, with sliding-scale options based on income. (Eastern Illinois University)
  
  

Early Intervention & Medicaid Programs

• Illinois Early Intervention Program (birth to age 3) — Provides developmental and autism services at no cost for eligible young children. Often includes referrals to diagnostic centers. (Ambitions ABA Therapy)
  
  
• Medicaid / Health Benefits for Children with Autism — Illinois Medicaid covers autism evaluations and ABA services for qualifying children. The state also mandates autism coverage under insurance through age 21, up to $36,000 per year. (magnetaba.com)
  
  

Community & Nonprofit Resources

• The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) — A state-run network offering free navigation to autism diagnostic services and resources statewide. TAP supports referrals and service coordination. (tap-illinois.org)
  
  
• Illinois Center for Autism (ICA) — A nonprofit offering assessment and service referrals for children and adults across Illinois. Works with local clinical partners. (ICA)
  
  
• Easterseals Central Illinois ASD Diagnostic Clinic — Multi-disciplinary evaluations available, often aimed at early childhood. May offer lower-cost or subsidized options. (magnetaba.com)
  
  
• OSF Autism Pathways (in Illinois’ central region) — Free autism navigation support and referrals, regardless of a formal diagnosis. They help families find diagnostic services in their area. (osfhealthcare.org)
  
  
• Charlie’s Gift Center for Autism / Chicagoland Autism Connection — Offer free behavioral consults, triage, resource guidance, and family support groups across the Chicagoland community. (luriechildrens.org)
  
  

What to Do After Getting a Diagnosis in Illinois

Getting an autism diagnosis — whether for yourself, your child, or someone you care about — can bring many emotions: relief, clarity, or even uncertainty about what to do next. But you’re not alone. Across Illinois, there are trusted services and supportive communities ready to help. Here’s how to take the next step:

Start with a Support Plan

After the diagnosis, you’ll likely receive a written report with recommendations. This may include referrals to therapists, educational evaluations, or additional screenings. Read through it carefully, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification. It’s your roadmap moving forward.

Explore Therapy and Intervention Services

Early support can make a big difference, no matter your age. Depending on needs, common services in Illinois include:

• Speech therapy – for communication challenges
  
  
• Occupational therapy – to support motor skills and daily living
  
  
• ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) – often used with children
  
  
• Social skills training – for all age groups
  
  

Your healthcare provider can refer you to local therapists. You can also check with your insurance plan or Medicaid to find covered providers.

For Children: Tap Into Educational Supports

If your child has been diagnosed with autism, you can request an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 Plan from their school. These legal documents help ensure your child gets the services and accommodations they need to succeed in the classroom.

Illinois public schools are required by law to assess and support students with developmental disabilities. You can also contact:

Early Intervention Illinois – for children under age 3
Website: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30320

For Adults: Build Your Support System

Many adults feel empowered after a diagnosis — but may also want help with mental health, relationships, or employment. Illinois has adult autism programs, support groups, and career services that can help.

Check out:

• Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) – https://theautismprogram.org
  
  
• UIC Developmental Disabilities Family Clinics – Offers services for adults
  
  
• Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services – Career and vocational help for people with disabilities
  Website: https://www.dhs.state.il.us
  
  

Join the Community

Being part of a support group can make this journey feel less overwhelming. Illinois has many autism communities for families, teens, and adults — some meet in person, others online.

Try:

• Parent Support Groups through TAP or local clinics
  
  
• The Autism Society of Illinois – https://www.autismillinois.org
  
  
• Your local school district or children’s hospital may also offer workshops and events
  
  

Also Read Autism Diagnosis Centers In Indiana

Know Your Rights

In Illinois, people with autism are protected under federal and state laws like:

• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
  
  
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
  
  
• Illinois Autism Insurance Mandate – requires many insurance plans to cover autism diagnosis and treatment for individuals up to age 21
  
  

If you need help navigating your rights or finding services, contact:

• Equip for Equality – Illinois’ protection and advocacy system
  Website: https://www.equipforequality.org
  
  
• Access Living – Offers independent living support and disability rights resources
  Website: https://www.accessliving.org
  
  

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