Autism Testing Centers In Tennessee: 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 can open doors to therapies, accommodations, and services that improve daily life, communication, and independence.

Who Should Consider Getting Evaluated

Autism presents differently in each person. Some may have difficulty with social interactions, changes in routine, or sensory sensitivities. Others might struggle to express feelings or adapt to unexpected situations.

If you or someone you care about shows signs of autism — at any age — getting evaluated can be a smart and empowering first step.

In Tennessee, there are many trusted places that offer autism testing — from well-known children’s hospitals in Nashville and Memphis, to adult-focused clinics in Knoxville and Chattanooga, to low-cost university-based programs.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand your options based on age, location, and needs — so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Types of Autism Testing Services in Tennessee

Not all autism testing looks the same. The process can vary depending on your age, symptoms, and whether you’re looking for a quick screening or a full diagnostic evaluation. Here’s a simple breakdown of the types of autism testing services available in Tennessee:

Diagnostic Evaluations for Children

For young children, early diagnosis can make a big difference. These evaluations are often done by a team that may include child psychologists, speech-language pathologists, or developmental pediatricians. The goal is to observe your child’s communication, play, and social behavior — and compare it with typical developmental milestones.

What it includes:

• Parent or caregiver interviews
  
  
• Play-based assessments
  
  
• Speech and language testing
  
  
• Observation of social skills and responses
  
  

These evaluations help parents understand whether their child may be on the autism spectrum and what types of early intervention or therapies could help.

Autism Testing for Teens and Adults

Older kids, teens, and adults can sometimes be overlooked earlier in life — especially if they’ve learned to “mask” their symptoms or were misdiagnosed. Testing for these age groups focuses on life history, patterns of behavior, and how autism affects school, work, or relationships.

What it includes:

• Personal interviews
  
  
• Questionnaires about daily habits, social skills, and challenges
  
  
• Feedback from family members, teachers, or close friends
  
  
• Cognitive or psychological testing (in some cases)
  
  

These evaluations can identify autism traits that may not have been obvious in childhood but still impact day-to-day life.

Developmental Screenings vs. Comprehensive Assessments

Not sure where to start? Some clinics and pediatric offices offer developmental screenings — short, focused check-ins to look for 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 are present, a comprehensive assessment is the next step. This in-depth evaluation is performed by licensed specialists and can lead to an official diagnosis if appropriate.

Quick tip:

• Screening = quick check
  
  
• Full assessment = detailed, formal diagnosis
  
  

Who Performs Autism Testing in Tennessee?

Depending on where you go, autism evaluations may be done by:

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

Each provider may use different tools, but all aim to understand how a person experiences the world — especially in terms of social interaction, communication, and behavior.

Top Places to Get Tested for Autism in Tennessee

Whether you're seeking a diagnosis for your child, teen, or yourself as an adult, Tennessee has several trusted clinics, hospitals, and programs specializing in autism testing. Below, we’ve grouped key options by age group and type of service.

For Children and Teens

1. Vanderbilt University Medical Center – Autism Clinic (Nashville)
   What They Offer: Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations through Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. Sessions often include an initial intake, testing, and feedback.
   Why Families Choose It: Expert, multidisciplinary care backed by the Autism Treatment Network—a national gold standard for autism services.
   Note: Referral needed from pediatrician.
   (childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org)
   
   
2. Vanderbilt TRIAD (Treatment & Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders)
   What They Offer: Diagnostic assessments, parent workshops, and outreach programs—including tele-assessments for ages 12–60 months.
   Why Parents Trust It: Combines research-driven diagnostics with community support and early intervention.
   (triad.vumc.org)
   
   
3. UT Health Science Center – Center on Developmental Disabilities (Memphis)
   What They Offer: Comprehensive developmental and psychological evaluations for children showing neurodevelopmental symptoms, including ASD.
   Why Families Value It: Specialized clinical services integrated into a teaching and training setting, offering robust diagnostic care.
   (UTHSC)
   
   
4. ETSU Language Center – ASD Clinic (Johnson City)
   What They Offer: Assessment and intervention for social communication challenges in preschool through elementary-aged children using evidence-based strategies.
   Why It Stands Out: University-based, hands-on services grounded in proven teaching methods like Enhanced Milieu Teaching.
   (East Tennessee State University)
   
   

For Teens and Adults

1. Korn Learning, Assessment, and Social Skills Center – UT Knoxville (Knoxville)
   What They Offer: Adult autism evaluations exploring everything from social processing to mental health and developmental history, with sliding-scale fees and payment plans.
   Why Adults Choose It: Thoughtful, respectful diagnosis that considers life trajectory and personal strengths.
   (cehhs.utk.edu)
   
   
2. Tennessee Neuropsychology (Knoxville)
   What They Offer: Full-span evaluations for all ages, using tools like the ADOS-2, neuropsychological testing, and customized feedback.
   Why It Works: Comprehensive, tailored process helping individuals and families understand diagnosis and next steps.
   (tnneuropsychology.com)
   
   

Support Services & ABA Referrals

• Autism Centers of Tennessee (Memphis region)
  What They Offer: Psychological consultations, functional behavioral assessments, and ABA therapy referrals for children.
  Why It’s Helpful: Combines testing access with ongoing therapeutic supports in one place.
  (Autism Centers of Tennessee)
  
  

Support Available After Diagnosis

Many providers listed above go beyond just testing; they help families with:

• Therapy referrals (ABA, speech, occupational)
  
  
• School-based planning and IEP support
  
  
• Parental guidance and peer workshops
  
  
• Transition planning for teens or adults
  
  

What to Look for in a Tennessee Autism Testing Provider

• Specialization in your age group (child, teen, or adult)
  
  
• Use of validated diagnostic tools like the ADOS-2
  
  
• Licensed professionals (developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists)
  
  
• Transparent testing process and clear next steps
  
  
• Post-diagnosis support services
  
  
• Insurance acceptance or flexible payment model
  
  

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

Additional Highlights

• TEIS & Vanderbilt TRIAD provide accessible evaluation options for young children, often free through early intervention programs. (triad.vumc.org, vkc.vumc.org)
  
  
• University Clinics (UTK Korn Center) offer lower-cost assessments, ideal for families looking for affordable, research-informed testing. (cehhs.utk.edu)
  
  
• Private Providers like Athena Care and Tennessee Autism Assessments aim to minimize wait times, offering comprehensive testing across age groups. (Athena Care, Tennessee Autism Ass)
  
  
• One-Stop Centers such as Siskin and Chattanooga Autism Center integrate evaluation with therapeutic services like ABA, speech therapy, and feeding support. (Siskin Children's Institute, chatt-autism-center)
  
  
• Nationwide Reach via ABA Centers of Tennessee ensures easier access to evaluation in rural or underserved areas. (Autism Centers of Tennessee)
  
  

Low-Cost and Free Autism Testing Resources in Tennessee

Getting tested for autism can be expensive, especially without insurance. But in Tennessee, there are several options that offer low-cost or even free evaluations — particularly for children, teens, or families with limited income.

State-Funded Programs

The Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) helps families with children under age 3 get tested and access early developmental support. Services are often free if your child qualifies based on developmental concerns.

• TEIS Website: tn.gov/education/teis
  
  

The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) may also provide evaluation referrals for eligible individuals.

• DIDD Website: tn.gov/didd
  
  

University-Based Autism Clinics

Some Tennessee universities offer low-cost evaluations through their psychology or education departments. These clinics are supervised by licensed professionals and may offer reduced rates, especially for research-based assessments.

• Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (Nashville) – Autism evaluations, research studies, and therapy referrals.
  Website: vkc.vumc.org
  
  
• University of Tennessee Psychological Clinic (Knoxville) – Low-cost testing for children and adults.
  Website: psychology.utk.edu
  
  
• University of Memphis School Psychology Clinic – Offers reduced-cost autism assessments.
  Website: memphis.edu/psychology
  
  

Nonprofits and Grants

Several Tennessee nonprofits help connect families to lower-cost or free evaluation resources.

• The Autism Society of Tennessee – Offers guidance, referrals, and advocacy support.
  Website: autismtn.org
  
  
• Tennessee Disability Pathfinder – Helps locate autism testing sites and financial assistance options.
  Website: vkc.vumc.org/pathfinder
  
  
• The Arc Tennessee – Advocacy and resource referrals, including evaluation assistance.
  Website: thearctn.org
  
  

How to Choose the Right Evaluation Center

Not all testing centers are the same — and choosing the right one can make a big difference in the accuracy and usefulness of the results.

Look for These Key Features:

• Qualified professionals – Licensed psychologists, developmental pediatricians, or behavior specialists with autism expertise.
  
  
• Age-appropriate services – Some clinics focus on children, others on teens or adults.
  
  
• Comprehensive evaluations – Full assessments using trusted tools like the ADOS, not just brief screenings.
  
  

Questions to Ask Before Booking:

• Do you evaluate children, teens, or adults?
  
  
• What’s the current wait time for an appointment?
  
  
• Do you accept insurance or offer payment plans?
  
  
• Will I receive a written report with recommendations?
  
  

Choosing a center that clearly answers your questions and treats you respectfully is often a good sign you’re in the right place.

Do You Need a Referral for Autism Testing in Tennessee?

Whether you need a referral in Tennessee depends on the clinic and how you plan to pay for the evaluation.

If You’re Using Insurance

Most private insurance plans — and TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid program) — require a referral from your child’s pediatrician or your own primary care doctor. The referral helps your insurance approve and cover the cost of testing. Some insurance companies also require prior authorization, so calling your provider first can save time.

If You’re Paying Out of Pocket

If you’re not using insurance, you usually don’t need a referral. You can contact a clinic, psychologist, or diagnostic center directly and request an autism evaluation appointment. This is often the fastest route if you can afford to self-pay.

For Schools or Early Intervention

If your child is under 3 years old, you can contact Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) directly — no doctor referral is needed. For children ages 3 and older, you can request autism testing through your public school district’s special education department, even if your child isn’t currently enrolled in the district.

TEIS Website: tn.gov/education/teis

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

Autism isn’t only a childhood diagnosis — many adults in Tennessee are now seeking evaluations after years of masking symptoms or being misdiagnosed with anxiety, ADHD, or other conditions.

What Makes Adult Testing Unique?

• Signs Are More Subtle: In adults, autism may show up as social burnout, difficulty with change, intense focus on certain interests, or ongoing anxiety in social situations.
  
  
• Life Context Matters: Testing considers how you function in work, family, and community life — not just in school or peer groups.
  
  
• Specialized Providers: Not every clinic offers adult testing. Look for licensed psychologists or neuropsychologists with experience diagnosing autism in adults.
  
  

Why Adults in Tennessee Get Tested:

• To better understand personal strengths and challenges
  
  
• To qualify for workplace or academic accommodations
  
  
• To connect with local or online autism support networks
  
  
• To finally get answers and clarity after years of uncertainty
  
  

How Long Does Autism Testing Take in Tennessee?

Autism testing isn’t a single appointment — it’s a step-by-step process to get a clear, thorough understanding of a person’s strengths, needs, and challenges. Here’s what the process usually looks like in Tennessee:

Initial Call or Intake

You’ll complete paperwork and may have a short phone interview with the clinic. Some providers in Tennessee also send online questionnaires in advance to speed things up.

Wait Time

Wait times vary. At smaller private practices, you might get in within a few weeks. At larger hospitals or highly sought-after specialists (such as those in Nashville, Knoxville, or Memphis), the wait can be several months.

Testing Day(s)

You (or your child) will meet with a psychologist, neuropsychologist, or developmental specialist for several hours. This can include:

• Answering interview questions
  
  
• Doing puzzles or structured activities
  
  
• Talking about daily routines and behavior
  
  
• For children, play-based observation
  
  
• For adults, discussing work, relationships, and coping strategies
  
  

Parent or Caregiver Input

For children — and sometimes for adults — interviews with family members help give a complete picture of strengths and challenges.

Final Report

After the evaluation, you’ll receive a detailed written report with results, the diagnosis (if applicable), and next-step recommendations. In Tennessee, this can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the provider’s schedule.

What Happens After the Diagnosis?

A diagnosis isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of clarity, understanding, and support.

If a Diagnosis Is Given:

• Written Report: You’ll get the full evaluation summary with the diagnosis and recommendations.
  
  
• Start Therapy or Services:
  
  
  • ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) for children
    
    
  • Speech or occupational therapy
    
    
  • Social skills groups or life coaching for teens and adults
    
    
  • School or workplace accommodations
    
    
• Access Additional Resources:
  
  
  • IEP or 504 Plans in schools
    
    
  • Tennessee Early Intervention System (for children under 3)
    
    
  • Vocational rehabilitation programs
    
    
  • Social Security Disability benefits (if eligible)
    
    

More Confidence and Understanding

Many families — and adults getting their first diagnosis — feel relief after finally having answers. Even if the evaluation does not result in an autism diagnosis, testing can uncover other valuable information, such as ADHD, learning differences, or anxiety, so the right support can still be put in place.