Autism Testing Centers In Kansas: 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 dealing with school struggles, or an adult trying to make sense of your own experiences. 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 a proper diagnosis, you can get access to helpful therapies, services, and support to improve everyday life.

In Kansas, there are many trusted places that offer autism evaluations. Whether you’re looking for a leading children’s hospital, a center that works with adults, or a university clinic with lower-cost options, this guide can help. We’ll point you to the right resources 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 looks different from person to person. Some people avoid eye contact or have trouble with conversations. Others might be extra sensitive to sounds, textures, or changes in routine. Some may seem quiet, intense, or “quirky,” but shine in specific areas like math, music, or problem-solving.

If you or someone you love shows signs like these — at any age — getting evaluated can be a helpful and empowering step toward understanding and support.

What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation

If you or a loved one is thinking about getting tested for autism, it helps to know what the process looks like. An autism evaluation isn’t a quick yes-or-no test — it’s a thoughtful, detailed look at how someone communicates, behaves, and understands the world around them. The goal is to identify strengths, challenges, and needs for support.

How Autism Testing Works

Here are common parts of the evaluation process:

• Interviews – A specialist (like a psychologist or developmental pediatrician) will ask about your development, medical history, and behavior. For children, parents or caregivers are usually involved.
  
  
• Observation – The evaluator may watch how the person interacts, plays, or responds to different activities or questions.
  
  
• Standardized Tests – These tools are used to assess thinking skills, language, social behavior, and more.
  
  
• Questionnaires – You and/or family members may fill out forms about behaviors, habits, and concerns.
  
  

For adults, the process often includes looking at lifelong patterns, such as communication style, social relationships, sensory sensitivities, and routine-based behavior.

How Long Does It Take?

Autism evaluations can vary by provider. Some take place over a few hours, while others happen across several visits. Some clinics offer a team-based approach (with psychologists, speech therapists, etc.), while others involve a single professional.

Costs and Insurance in Kansas

The cost of an autism evaluation can vary widely in Kansas. Private clinics may charge $1,000 or more. However, university clinics, public health programs, and nonprofit centers often offer lower-cost or sliding scale options.

The good news is that many insurance plans — including KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) — cover autism evaluations and related services. Coverage may vary, so it’s best to call ahead and ask:

• Do you accept my insurance?
  
  
• Are you enrolled with KanCare or Medicaid?
  
  
• Do you offer payment plans or a sliding fee scale?
  
  

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

University-Based & Low-Cost Diagnostic Options

• University of Kansas Medical Center’s Autism Diagnostic Team (KUMC) provides gold‑standard evaluations via telemedicine with local school‑linked Diagnostic Teams, followed by clinical confirmation by psychologists or pediatricians (University of Kansas Medical Center).
  
  
• KU Psychological Clinic in Lawrence offers structured, evidence-based evaluations by supervised graduate clinicians at reduced rates, with sliding-scale fees available (autism.ku.edu, autism.ku.edu).
  
  
• Wichita State University's Clinic includes autism assessments within their Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, offering both diagnosis and short-term follow-up therapy at lower costs (Wichita State University).
  
  

Community & Clinic-Based Providers

• Children’s Mercy Clinic (Kansas City, MO) is one of Missouri’s state-designated autism centers, offering multidisciplinary evaluations, parent education, and resource linkage (Children's Mercy).
  
  
• Jordan Psychological Assessment Center and Meadowlark Center in Overland Park both offer individualized autism evaluations with follow-up support, working with private pay and insurance plans (Riley ABA & Autism Center).
  
  
• FSGC in Topeka offers community-based autism assessments for children and teens, with referrals into mental health treatment as needed (FSGC Topeka).
  
  

What to Do After Getting a Diagnosis in Kansas

Getting an autism diagnosis — whether for yourself, your child, or someone you care about — can bring up many emotions: relief, clarity, or even uncertainty about what to do next. But you’re not alone. Across Kansas, there are helpful services, providers, and communities ready to support your next steps. Here’s where to begin:

Start with a Support Plan

After the diagnosis, your provider will likely give you a written report. This may include therapy recommendations, referrals to specialists, or suggestions for school-based services. Take time to read it carefully, ask questions, and follow up if anything is unclear. This report is your starting roadmap for support.

Explore Therapy and Intervention Services

Early support can have a meaningful impact on communication, learning, behavior, and relationships. Depending on age and needs, common services available in Kansas include:

• Speech therapy – to help with language and communication
  
  
• Occupational therapy – for motor skills and daily routines
  
  
• ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) – often used with children to build skills and reduce problem behaviors
  
  
• Social skills groups – for kids, teens, and adults
  
  

Ask your doctor, clinic, or insurance provider for referrals. Many therapy centers in Kansas accept Medicaid or offer sliding-scale fees.

For Children: Tap Into Educational Supports

If your child has received an autism diagnosis, you have the right to request an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or a 504 Plan through their school. These plans are designed to ensure your child receives services, accommodations, and support for learning success.

Kansas public schools are legally required to assess and assist students with developmental disabilities. For children under 3, contact:

Kansas Infant-Toddler Services (Tiny-K) – A state program offering free early intervention services for eligible infants and toddlers.
🌐 https://www.ksits.org

For Adults: Build Your Support System

A diagnosis in adulthood can be eye-opening — but it often brings questions about daily life, relationships, work, or mental health. Kansas offers services and support for adults on the autism spectrum, including:

• Therapists and counselors experienced in neurodiversity
  
  
• Employment programs for adults with developmental disabilities
  
  
• Support groups focused on life skills, relationships, and mental health
  
  

Look into organizations such as:

• Autism Society – The Heartland (serving Kansas and Missouri)
  🌐 https://www.asaheartland.org
  
  
• Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Provides job training and support for adults with disabilities
  🌐 https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/RS
  
  
• KU Autism Spectrum Center (University of Kansas) – Offers diagnostic services and therapy referrals for adults
  🌐 https://kucdd.ku.edu/autism
  
  

Join the Community

You don’t have to go through this alone. Kansas has autism support groups, family networks, and community events where you can connect with others who understand your journey.

Consider:

• Parent to Parent of Kansas – Peer support for families navigating disability and autism
  🌐 https://www.p2pks.org
  
  
• Autism Society – The Heartland – Offers events, workshops, and online communities
  🌐 https://www.asaheartland.org
  
  
• Local school districts and hospitals – May host in-person groups, webinars, or parent education nights
  
  

Know Your Rights in Kansas

People with autism in Kansas are protected by both state and federal laws, including:

• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) – Ensures support in public schools
  
  
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) – Protects rights in the workplace and community
  
  
• Kansas Autism Insurance Mandate – Requires many insurance plans to cover autism-related services, including diagnosis and therapy
  
  

Need help navigating these systems? Contact:

• Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC Kansas) – Legal advocacy and disability rights
  🌐 https://www.drckansas.org
  
  
• Families Together, Inc. – Provides support and education for families with children who have disabilities
  🌐 https://familiestogetherinc.org