Autism Testing Centers In Maryland: Where To Get Tested 

Getting tested for autism can be a life-changing step — whether you're a parent seeking answers for your child, a teen navigating school challenges, or an adult finally connecting the dots about lifelong differences. Autism testing isn’t about labeling — it’s about understanding. A proper diagnosis opens doors to support, therapies, and services that can improve daily life, communication, and independence.

Who Should Consider Getting Evaluated

Autism looks different for everyone. Some people may struggle with social interactions, routines, or sensory sensitivities, while others may find it hard to communicate feelings or adapt to changes. If you or someone you care about shows signs of autism — at any age — getting evaluated is a smart and empowering first step.

In Maryland, there are many trusted places that offer autism testing, from top-rated pediatric clinics and hospital programs to adult-focused diagnostic centers and affordable university-based services. In this guide, we’ll help you explore your options based on age, location, and budget — so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Types of Autism Testing Services in Maryland

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 Maryland:

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.

Quick tip:

• Screening = quick check
  
  
• Full assessment = deep dive
  
  

Who Performs Autism Testing in Maryland?

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

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

Each has its 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 Maryland

Whether you're seeking a diagnosis for your child, teen, or yourself as an adult, Maryland offers a range of trusted clinics, hospitals, and evaluation programs. Below, we've organized some of the top options by age group and service type.

For Children and Teens

1. Kennedy Krieger Institute (Baltimore)
   What They Offer: Renowned Johns Hopkins affiliate offering comprehensive autism diagnostic services for children and adolescents, including early identification and follow-up clinical care.  

Why It’s Valued: Combines cutting-edge research with clinical expertise to support families and educators in navigating a diagnosis.

1. University of Maryland Children’s Hospital – Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics (Baltimore)
   What They Offer: Diagnostic evaluations led by pediatric behavioral specialists, often including hearing/vision screening, developmental interviews, play-based assessments, and multidisciplinary input. 

Why Parents Choose It: Full-spectrum care rooted in academic medicine, with strong collaboration with schools and therapeutic services.

1. Behavioral Framework / Pathways Program (Rockville & MD/DC/VA region)
   What They Offer: Autism assessments and evaluations for children through young adults (up to age 21), using gold‑standard tools like the ADOS‑2. 

Why Families Appreciate It: Streamlined intake process, insurance expertise, and coordinated care across assessment and therapy services.

1. Bright Start Health (Baltimore)
   What They Offer: Full ASD testing with interdisciplinary teams including psychologists, social workers, therapists, and educators. Uses ADOS‑2 and feedback sessions tailored to families. 

Special Strength: Strong collaboration with schools and excellent educational planning support.

For Adults and Teens (14+)

1. University of Maryland Clinical Center for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CCAND) (Baltimore)
   What They Offer: Diagnostic evaluations and care for individuals aged 14+ dealing with autism or neurodevelopmental conditions, especially when comorbid with epilepsy or intellectual disabilities.

 Why It Stands Out: Multidisciplinary team with neurologists, psychiatrists, genetics counselors, and social workers provides holistic support.

1. Space Between Counseling Services (Baltimore area)
   What They Offer: Neurodiversity-affirming evaluations for adults (18+), with flexible hybrid (in-person or telehealth) model. ~$2,500, with superbills for insurance reimbursement.
    

Why Adults Choose It: Strengths-based, trauma-informed process rooted in self-understanding and empowerment—not pathologizing.

1. Capital Crescent Collective (Bethesda / Telehealth statewide)
   What They Offer: Adult autism evaluations informed by neurodivergent perspectives, compassionate telehealth options, and structured consultation process.
   
   

Particularly Good For: Those seeking affirming assessments aligned with self-knowledge and neurodiversity values.

1. Private Practice Clinicians like Dr. Peacock (Baltimore)
   What They Offer: Diagnostic and comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for individuals 8+, including teens and adults; full evaluations include ADHD and learning disability testing.

Notable Features: In‑depth, standardized testing (e.g., ADOS‑2) with comprehensive feedback sessions and detailed reports.

1. MD Neuropsychological Services (Germantown, MD)
   What They Offer: Evaluations covering autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and more—for children, adolescents, and young adults. Telehealth options available.
    

Why Choose Them: Neuropsychologist-led assessments that consider executive functioning, emotional health, and cognitive profiles.

Multidisciplinary Centers with Lifespan Services

• Sheppard Pratt’s Center for Autism (Baltimore area)
  What They Offer: Self-pay diagnostic evaluations and ongoing case‑management services for individuals of all ages. Uses ADOS‑2 and provides comprehensive care plans. 

Unique Point: Full-spectrum support, from diagnosis through long-term services, though private pay only (~$5,000 fee).

ABA Evaluation & Therapy Providers

• Behavioral Framework (Rockville and statewide Maryland)
  What They Offer: Combined diagnostic evaluations plus in‑home or center-based ABA therapy for children up to age 21. Accepts most major insurance plans. 
• Children’s Specialized ABA (Multiple Maryland locations)
  What They Offer: Evidence-based ABA therapy alongside autism evaluations, with a focus on family involvement across treatment stages.
  
  

Support Services for After Diagnosis

Many of these providers and centers offer more than just testing:

• Care planning, school advocacy, and IEP/504 support through Bright Start, Kennedy Krieger, and Sheppard Pratt.
  
  
• Therapy and behavioral support, including ABA, speech, occupational therapy, and counseling via Kennedy Krieger, Behavioral Framework, and Children’s Specialized ABA.
  
  
• Adult and transition support, such as employment services and community engagement offered through CCAND and nonprofit partners like Itineris Baltimore.
  
  

What to Look for in a Maryland Autism Testing Provider

• Experience working with your age group (child, teen, adult).
  
  
• Use of gold-standard tools like ADOS‑2 and comprehensive behavioral assessments.
  
  
• Licensed professionals: developmental pediatricians, neuropsychologists, psychologists.
  
  
• Clear breakdown of what happens before, during, and after assessment.
  
  
• Offers follow‑up supports: care planning, therapy referrals, transition services.
  
  
• Accepts your insurance or offers flexible payment plans/self‑pay options.
  
  
• For adult evaluations: affirmation of neurodiverse perspectives if that’s important to you.
  
  

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

Additional Notes

• Age Range: Confirm if the clinic serves children, teens, adults, or all.
  
  
• Referral Requirements: Some hospitals (Kennedy Krieger, Sheppard Pratt) require a referral.
  
  
• Wait Times: Large centers often have long waitlists—call multiple providers.
  
  
• Telehealth Options: Many adult-focused providers in Maryland now offer statewide virtual evaluations.
  
  

Do You Need a Referral for Autism Testing in Maryland?

Whether you need a referral depends on where you go for testing and how you plan to pay.

If You’re Using Insurance

Most private insurance plans — and Medicaid in Maryland — typically require a referral from your child’s pediatrician or your primary care provider. This referral helps the insurance company approve and cover the cost of autism testing.

If You’re Paying Out of Pocket

If you’re paying privately, you usually don’t need a referral. You can contact a clinic, psychologist, or evaluation center directly to schedule an autism assessment.

For Schools or Early Intervention

If your child is under 3 years old, you can access services directly through Maryland’s Early Intervention Program without a referral. For children 3 years and older, you can request autism testing through your local public school’s special education department, even if your child isn’t enrolled yet.

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

Autism diagnosis isn’t just for kids — many adults go undiagnosed for years, often because they learned to mask their challenges or were misunderstood growing up. More adults in Maryland are now seeking evaluations after recognizing lifelong signs.

What Makes Adult Testing Unique?

• Subtle Signs: In adults, autism may appear as social fatigue, anxiety, difficulty adapting to change, or intense focus on routines and interests. These symptoms can be mistaken for anxiety, ADHD, or personality quirks.
  
  
• Real-Life Focus: Adult evaluations look at how you function in everyday situations—work, family life, and social relationships—not just school.
  
  
• Experienced Providers: Not all Maryland clinics specialize in adult autism diagnosis. It’s important to find providers who understand adult traits and offer neurodiversity-affirming assessments.
  
  

Why Adults Get Tested in Maryland

• To better understand themselves
  
  
• To access workplace or educational accommodations
  
  
• To connect with adult support groups and services
  
  
• To finally get answers to lifelong questions
  
  

How Long Does Autism Testing Take in Maryland?

Autism testing is a multi-step process—not just a single appointment—designed to fully understand your or your child’s unique strengths and challenges. Here’s what you can expect:

Initial Call or Intake

You’ll typically start by filling out paperwork and may have a brief phone interview to gather background information.

Wait Time

Wait times vary widely depending on the provider. Popular clinics like Kennedy Krieger or Sheppard Pratt may have waits ranging from a few weeks to several months.

Testing Day(s)

On testing day, your child or you will spend several hours with a psychologist or specialist. This usually involves:

• Answering detailed questions
  
  
• Completing tasks or puzzles
  
  
• Discussing daily life, behaviors, and experiences
  
  
• For children and some adults, caregivers or family members may be interviewed to provide additional insights.
  
  

Final Report

After the evaluation, you’ll receive a comprehensive written report with results and diagnosis (if applicable). This typically takes 2 to 6 weeks.

What Happens After the Diagnosis in Maryland?

Getting a diagnosis is not the end—it’s the start of support, understanding, and new possibilities.

If a Diagnosis Is Given

• You’ll receive a detailed report outlining the diagnosis and personalized recommendations.
  
  
• You can begin therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for children, speech or occupational therapy, or social skills and life coaching for teens and adults.
  
  
• Support can also include school accommodations through IEP or 504 plans, and access to government programs like Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Social Security benefits, or vocational training.
  
  

Other Benefits

Many people feel relief, clarity, and empowerment after understanding their diagnosis.

Even if the diagnosis is not autism, the testing may uncover other important insights such as anxiety, ADHD, or learning differences, so you can still get the support that fits your needs.

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