Autism Testing Centers In Indiana: 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 trying to make sense of lifelong experiences. Autism testing isn’t about putting a label on someone. It’s about better understanding how a person thinks, communicates, and experiences the world. With a proper diagnosis, you can access services, therapies, and support that can improve daily life.

In Indiana, there are many trusted places that offer autism evaluations. Whether you're looking for a top-rated children’s hospital, a clinic that specializes in adult assessments, or a university-based center with more affordable options, this guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through where to go based on your age, location, and financial needs — so you can move forward with confidence and support.

Who Might Want to Get Tested?

Autism shows up differently in every person. Some people may avoid eye contact or struggle with conversations. Others might be highly sensitive to sounds, textures, or changes in routine. Some may seem quiet or "quirky," but excel in specific areas like math, music, or memory.

If you or someone you care about shows signs like these — at any age — getting an evaluation can be a powerful and positive first step. It can help explain behaviors, reduce misunderstandings, and open the door to the right kind of help.

What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation

If you're considering autism testing for yourself or a loved one, it helps to know what the process involves. Autism evaluations aren't quick checklists — they’re careful, in-depth assessments designed to understand each person's strengths, struggles, and patterns of behavior.

How Autism Testing Works

The evaluation may include:

• Interviews – A professional (like a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or neurologist) will ask about your history, behavior, and development. For children, parents or caregivers are usually part of the process.
  
  
• Observation – The evaluator might watch how someone plays, communicates, or reacts to various situations.
  
  
• Standardized Tests – These are formal tools used to measure things like thinking skills, language use, and social understanding.
  
  
• Questionnaires – You and/or family members may be asked to fill out forms describing everyday behaviors, routines, and challenges.
  
  

For adults, testing often focuses on long-term social patterns, communication styles, sensory experiences, and coping strategies.

How Long Does It Take?

The timeline can vary. Some evaluations take a few hours, while others are spread out over multiple visits. Some centers in Indiana offer multi-disciplinary teams (with several specialists), while others use a single provider for the entire process.

Costs and Insurance in Indiana

Autism testing costs can range widely. Some private clinics charge $1,000 or more, while university-based centers and nonprofits may offer reduced rates. The good news is that many insurance plans in Indiana — including Indiana Medicaid (Hoosier Healthwise) — help cover autism evaluations.

Before booking an appointment, it’s a good idea to call the center and ask:

• Do you accept my insurance?
  
  
• Are you a Medicaid provider?
  
  
• Do you offer payment plans or sliding scale fees?
  
  

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

Why These Centers Made the List

• Indianapolis is home to top-tier hospitals and clinics serving across age groups—from toddlers to adults—such as Riley Children’s and Easterseals, both offering comprehensive, research-based evaluations.
  
  
• Lighthouse Autism Center offers diagnostic testing at all locations in a more therapy-centered environment, ideal for families considering long-term ABA services.
  
  
• The Brain Center in Indy and Fishers accepts both youth and adults, with neuropsychological evaluations and flexible payment options including trainee services.
  
  
• Applied Behavior Center for Autism has multiple Indiana branches (Carmel, Noblesville, Evansville), offering fast diagnostic access and integrated therapies.
  
  
• Bierman Autism Centers in Fort Wayne provide early diagnosis and holistic services in a child-friendly, play-based approach.
  
  
• IU Health’s EAE Hub System links primary care providers across the state to clinicians trained in early detection for children 14–48 months, aiming to reduce wait times and expand access.
  
  
• Indiana Resource Center for Autism and HANDS in Autism offer training and statewide support to families, educators, and providers—with no charge for resource access.
  
  

Tips for Choosing the Right Indiana Testing Center

• Age group: Some centers focus on toddlers, others serve teens and adults.
  
  
• Wait times: University‑affiliated centers or PCP hub programs may offer shorter waits, especially for early-aged children.
  
  
• Services offered: Some centers provide just diagnosis, others combine evaluation with therapy planning and intervention.
  
  
• Insurance / Cost: Most accept major insurance and Medicaid; others offer sliding scales or private-pay. In‑house trainee‑led evaluations can reduce costs.
  
  
• Location convenience: Consider regional spread—whether you're near Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, or Carmel.
  
  

Low‑Cost and Free Autism Testing Options in Indiana

Getting tested for autism doesn’t have to be expensive. In Indiana, many trusted programs, clinics, and organizations offer free or low-cost evaluations — especially for families with limited income or no insurance. Whether you're a parent, teen, or adult, this guide will help you find affordable diagnostic services throughout the state.

University Clinics & Autism Programs

Indiana University Health Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic (Indianapolis)
Offers diagnostic services for children and adolescents. IU Health also partners with Riley Hospital for Children for developmental evaluations. Services are often covered by insurance, Medicaid, or sliding-scale payment.
https://iuhealth.org

Riley Child Development Center – Riley Hospital for Children (Indianapolis)
Provides comprehensive autism evaluations by a multi-disciplinary team. Accepts most insurance and Medicaid. Often used for early childhood and school-age referrals.
https://rileychildrens.org

Ball State University Psychoeducational Diagnostic & Intervention Clinic (Muncie)
Offers affordable autism assessments by supervised graduate students. Sliding scale available.
https://bsu.edu

University of Notre Dame Psychology Services Center (South Bend)
Provides psychological evaluations, including autism testing, at low cost. Services are provided by graduate students under licensed supervision.
https://psychology.nd.edu

Purdue University Clinical Psychology Program (West Lafayette)
Offers low-cost autism screenings and full evaluations. Typically geared toward children and adolescents. Sliding-scale fees apply.
https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/psy/

Early Intervention & Medicaid-Based Services

Indiana First Steps (Birth to Age 3)
A statewide early intervention program offering developmental screenings and referrals — often at no cost. If autism is suspected, families can be referred to diagnostic providers.
https://www.in.gov/fssa/firststeps/

Indiana Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers
Indiana Medicaid covers autism testing and many related therapies, including ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). Medicaid Waiver programs also help fund services for qualifying children and adults.
https://www.in.gov/medicaid/

Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)
Provides additional coverage for children under 21 with chronic medical conditions, including developmental and behavioral conditions like autism.
https://www.in.gov/health/cshcs

Community Clinics & Nonprofit Resources

Hands in Autism Interdisciplinary Training & Resource Center (Indianapolis)
A program through IU School of Medicine that offers resources, education, and autism support services. May provide diagnostic referrals or direct services through IU partnerships.
https://handsinautism.iupui.edu

The Hope Source (Anderson & statewide via telehealth)
Provides autism evaluations, therapy, and ABA services. Accepts Medicaid and offers financial assistance based on need.
https://www.thehopesource.com

Unlocking the Spectrum (Multiple locations across Indiana)
Specializes in autism diagnostics and ABA therapy. Offers insurance navigation and Medicaid support.
https://www.unlockingthespectrum.com

Autism Society of Indiana (ASI)
While not a direct diagnostic provider, ASI offers free navigation and resource referrals statewide, including connections to affordable testing locations.
https://www.autismsocietyofindiana.org

Easterseals Crossroads (Central Indiana)
Offers services for people with disabilities, including autism evaluations for children. Financial assistance and Medicaid accepted.
https://www.eastersealscrossroads.org

What to Do After Getting a Diagnosis in Indiana

Getting an autism diagnosis — for yourself or a loved one — can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Indiana has services, therapies, and communities to help you take the next step.

Start with a Support Plan

After a diagnosis, you'll get a report with recommendations like therapy referrals, school supports, or additional testing. Review it carefully, ask questions, and follow up with the provider if you need help understanding it.

Explore Therapy and Support Services

Early intervention can improve communication, learning, and social skills. Common autism services in Indiana include:

• Speech therapy – for communication needs
  
  
• Occupational therapy – for motor skills and daily routines
  
  
• ABA therapy – often used for behavior and learning, especially with children
  
  
• Social skills groups – for children, teens, and adults
  
  

Ask your provider or insurance for covered options. Medicaid and waiver programs can also help cover costs.

For Children: Educational Support

After a diagnosis, children may qualify for:

• An IEP (Individualized Education Program) or
  
  
• 504 Plan – to ensure school accommodations
  
  

Indiana public schools must evaluate and support students with disabilities. For children under 3, First Steps offers free early intervention support:
https://www.in.gov/fssa/firststeps/

For Adults: Ongoing Support

Adults with autism may benefit from services like:

• Mental health therapy
  
  
• Employment support
  
  
• Life skills training
  
  

Resources include:

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) – https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/rehabilitation-employment/vocational-rehabilitation-services/
  
  
• Indiana Disability Rights – Advocacy and legal support
  https://www.in.gov/idr/
  
  

Join a Community

Connecting with others can make the process easier. Consider:

• Parent and adult support groups through ASI
  
  
• Workshops and webinars from Easterseals or Hands in Autism
  
  
• Local Facebook groups for Indiana autism families
  
  

Know Your Rights

People with autism in Indiana are protected under:

• IDEA – for school-based supports
  
  
• ADA – for workplace and public accommodations
  
  
• Indiana Autism Insurance Mandate – Requires many insurance plans to cover diagnostic and treatment services for autism
  
  

For help with rights and services:

• Indiana Disability Rights – https://www.in.gov/idr/
  
  
• Family Voices Indiana – Helps families navigate health and education systems
  https://www.familyvoicesin.org
  
  

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