Autism Testing Centers In New Hampshire: 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 New Hampshire, there are trusted options for autism evaluations across the state. Whether you’re looking for a children’s clinic, a center focused on adult testing, or a university-based provider with lower-cost services, this guide can help. We’ll walk you through where to go — based on your age, location, and budget — so you can take the next step with confidence and clarity.
Who Might Want to Get Tested?
Autism can look different in every person. Some people avoid eye contact or struggle with back-and-forth conversations. Others may be highly sensitive to sounds, textures, or changes in routine. Some people appear quiet or “quirky,” but have intense interests or excel in specific areas.
If you or someone you care about shows signs like these — at any age — getting tested can be a valuable and empowering step toward understanding and support.
What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation
If you're considering autism testing — for yourself, your child, or a loved one — it helps to know what the process involves. An autism evaluation isn’t a quick yes-or-no answer. It’s a detailed, thoughtful process designed to understand how someone communicates, processes the world, and interacts with others.
How Autism Testing Works
An evaluation may include several parts, such as:
- Interviews – A licensed specialist (like a psychologist, neuropsychologist, or developmental pediatrician) will ask questions about developmental history, current behaviors, and medical background. For children, parents or caregivers are typically part of the process.
- Observation – The clinician may observe how someone behaves, communicates, and responds to different situations or tasks.
- Standardized Tests – These are tools used to measure thinking, learning, language, and social interaction. These help give a clearer picture of strengths and challenges.
- Questionnaires – You or your family members might fill out forms that describe everyday behaviors, sensitivities, and routines.
For adults, evaluations usually focus more on lifelong social communication patterns, emotional regulation, and sensory processing — and may involve talking about past school or work experiences.
How Long Does It Take?
Autism evaluations in New Hampshire can take a few hours and are often split over multiple appointments. Some clinics use a team of professionals (such as a psychologist, speech therapist, and social worker), while others may involve just one specialist.
Wait times and the length of the testing process vary depending on the clinic and your specific needs — but getting started with the evaluation is often the hardest step, and you're not alone in it.
Costs and Insurance in New Hampshire
The cost of autism evaluations in New Hampshire can vary widely. Private clinics may charge over $1,000 for comprehensive testing, while some university-affiliated or nonprofit programs offer more affordable rates or sliding-scale fees based on income.
The good news: many insurance plans in New Hampshire, including Medicaid, private insurance, and plans under the Affordable Care Act, cover autism evaluations and related services. Some children may also qualify for services through state-funded programs.
To avoid unexpected bills, it’s smart to call ahead and ask providers:
- Do you accept my insurance or Medicaid?
- Are payment plans or sliding scale fees available?
- Do I need a referral from a doctor or therapist?
City‑by‑City Guide to Autism Testing Locations in New Hampshire
City/Region | Clinic / Center Name | Who They Test | Type of Services | Insurance / Payment | Website |
Manchester | Elliot Hospital Child Development Center | Children | Full diagnostic evaluations, developmental assessments, referrals | Accepts most insurance plans | |
Concord | Riverbend Community Mental Health | Children, Teens, Adults | Evaluations, counseling, autism-informed mental health services | Medicaid and most private insurance | |
Lebanon | Dartmouth Health – Autism Spectrum Program (DHMC) | Children, Adolescents | Multidisciplinary evaluations, therapy referrals | Accepts Medicaid, private insurance | |
Portsmouth | Families First Health & Support Center | Children | Screenings, early childhood developmental evaluations, referrals | Sliding scale, Medicaid, most insurances | |
Keene | Monadnock Family Services – Autism Center | Children, Teens | Evaluations and outpatient services, care coordination | Accepts most insurance plans | |
Nashua | Gateways Community Services – Autism Center | Children, Birth–21 | Autism evaluations, family navigation, ABA referrals | Medicaid, private insurance | |
Statewide (Virtual) | New Hampshire Family Voices / Partners in Health | All ages | Resource navigation, support for low-income families, referrals to evaluators | Free navigation; no direct diagnosis |
Free or Low-Cost Options
Program | Details |
Early Supports and Services (ESS) | State-funded program for children under age 3 with developmental delays or concerns. Includes free autism screening and referral. Contact through regional area agencies. |
Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) | Located throughout New Hampshire, CMHCs offer sliding-scale evaluations and therapy referrals for both children and adults. |
Tips to Help You Choose the Right Location
Check the person’s age and needs
Some centers specialize in toddlers or early childhood, while others serve teens and adults.
Look at service types
Do you only need an evaluation, or are you looking for additional support like ABA, speech, or counseling?
Review payment and insurance options
Ask if they accept Medicaid or your private plan. Many centers offer sliding scale fees or financial aid.
Ask about wait times
University-affiliated or nonprofit clinics may have longer waitlists but could offer lower-cost options.
Explore virtual services
Some centers, especially family resource networks, offer telehealth evaluations or consultations.
How to Use This Guide
- Think about who needs the evaluation — child, teen, or adult — and their unique strengths or challenges.
- Find a center near you that fits your needs.
- Visit the clinic’s website or call directly to confirm wait times, services, and costs.
- Ask:
- Do I need a referral?
- How long is the wait for an appointment?
- What happens after the evaluation?
- Do I need a referral?
Low‑Cost and Free Autism Testing Options in New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire (UNH) Psychological and Counseling Services (Durham)
Offers low-cost psychological evaluations, including developmental assessments, through graduate student training programs. Evaluations are supervised by licensed clinicians. Sliding-scale fees may be available.
https://chhs.unh.edu/psychology
Dartmouth Health – Autism Diagnostic Clinic (Lebanon)
Part of the Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ASD/NDD) Clinic, Dartmouth Health provides multidisciplinary evaluations for children and teens. They accept Medicaid and many private insurance plans.
https://www.chadkids.org
Antioch University New England – Psychological Services Center (Keene)
Offers diagnostic testing and counseling services at reduced rates through their graduate training clinic. Autism assessments available for children, teens, and adults.
https://www.antioch.edu/new-england/resources/psc/
Early Intervention & Medicaid-Based Services
Family-Centered Early Supports & Services (FCESS) – Ages 0–3
New Hampshire's early intervention program provides free developmental screening and services for children under 3. If autism is suspected, referrals for diagnostic evaluations are included.
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/child-development/early-supports-services
New Hampshire Medicaid / NH Healthy Families
Medicaid covers autism-related evaluations, speech therapy, ABA therapy, and other services for qualifying children and adults. Most managed care organizations also include behavioral health services.
https://nheasy.nh.gov
Special Medical Services Program (SMS)
Provides diagnostic evaluations and care coordination for children with special healthcare needs, including autism.
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov
Community & Nonprofit Resources
Gateways Community Services – Autism Center (Nashua)
Provides autism evaluations and family support services. Works closely with families receiving Medicaid or early intervention.
https://www.gatewayscs.org
Community Bridges (Concord area)
Supports children and adults with developmental disabilities, including diagnostic referrals and autism-specific services.
https://www.communitybridgesnh.org
Autism Bridges NH
A family-focused nonprofit offering autism resource navigation, workshops, and peer support. While they don’t provide direct testing, they help connect families with low-cost evaluation providers.
https://www.autismbridgesnh.org
Easterseals New Hampshire – Autism Services
Offers evaluations, ABA therapy, family support, and coordination of care. Sliding-scale fees and Medicaid accepted.
https://www.easterseals.com/nh
What to Do After Getting a Diagnosis in New Hampshire
Getting an autism diagnosis — whether for yourself, your child, or someone you care about — can bring a mix of emotions: relief, clarity, or questions about what’s next. You’re not alone. New Hampshire offers services and communities ready to help.
Start with a Support Plan
After diagnosis, you’ll usually receive a report with personalized recommendations. These might include therapy referrals, school evaluations, or additional screenings. Take time to review it, ask questions, and follow up with your provider if needed.
Explore Therapy and Intervention Services
Getting support early — at any age — can make a big difference. Common therapies in New Hampshire include:
- Speech therapy – for language and communication
- Occupational therapy – to support independence and motor skills
- ABA therapy – commonly used with young children
- Social skills training – for all ages
Ask your provider or local area agency for help finding services that fit your needs and budget.
For Children: Tap Into Educational Supports
If your child has been diagnosed with autism, they may be eligible for:
- IEP (Individualized Education Program)
- 504 Plan
These school-based plans ensure your child receives appropriate accommodations and support. New Hampshire public schools are legally required to evaluate and assist students with disabilities.
If your child is under 3, contact:
Family-Centered Early Supports & Services (FCESS)
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/child-development/early-supports-services
For Adults: Build Your Support System
Many adults feel validated and empowered after a diagnosis — and may seek support for employment, relationships, or mental health.
Explore services like:
- Area Agencies for Developmental Services – Statewide agencies offering case management, day programs, and adult services
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/disability-care/developmental-services - Vocational Rehabilitation New Hampshire – Job support and training for adults with disabilities
https://www.education.nh.gov - Autism Bridges NH – Offers adult and family workshops and support groups
Join the Community
Connecting with others who understand your journey can be comforting and empowering. New Hampshire has support groups and events for parents, adults, teens, and siblings.
Try:
- Parent support networks through your local area agency
- Autism Bridges NH
- Easterseals NH family support programs
- Online groups on Facebook or Meetup focused on New Hampshire autism families
Know Your Rights
People with autism in New Hampshire are protected under:
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) – for educational services
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) – for access to work and public accommodations
- NH Autism Insurance Mandate – Requires many insurance plans to cover autism-related evaluations and therapy services
For help understanding your rights or accessing services, contact:
- Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire
https://drcnh.org - Parent Information Center of New Hampshire (PIC NH) – Offers advocacy and education for families
https://picnh.org
