Autism Testing Centers In Virginia: 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, supports, and services that improve daily life, communication, and independence.

Who Should Consider Getting Evaluated

Autism presents differently in everyone. Some people may struggle with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, or adapting to change. Others may have difficulty expressing emotions, maintaining routines, or understanding unspoken rules in conversation.

If you or someone you care about shows possible signs of autism — at any age — getting evaluated is a smart and empowering step forward.

In Virginia, you’ll find many trusted options for autism testing — from pediatric specialty clinics and adult-focused diagnostic centers to affordable programs at universities like Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia.

This guide will help you find the right fit based on your age, location, and needs — so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Types of Autism Testing Services in Virginia

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 Virginia:

Diagnostic Evaluations for Children

For young children, early diagnosis is key. These evaluations are often conducted 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 developmental milestones.

What it includes:

• Parent interviews
  
  
• Play-based assessments
  
  
• Speech and language testing
  
  
• 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 members 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 impact 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 leads to a formal diagnosis if needed.

Who Performs Autism Testing in Virginia?

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

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

Each uses specialized 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 Virginia

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

For Children and Teens

1. The Autism Society of Northern Virginia – Various Locations
   What They Offer: Full diagnostic evaluations and early intervention support. They connect families with licensed professionals experienced in autism diagnosis.
   Why Parents Choose It: Known for community-based support and advocacy, with resources tailored to Northern Virginia families.
   Website: autismnova.org
2. Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
   What They Offer: Comprehensive neurodevelopmental and autism evaluations by pediatric specialists.
   Why It’s Great: Offers multidisciplinary assessments including speech, occupational therapy, and behavioral health. Accepts most major insurances.
   Website: vcuhealth.org
3. The Arc of Virginia – Regional Centers
   What They Offer: Diagnostic testing, therapy referrals, and family support services for children suspected of autism.
   Why Families Like It: Friendly, supportive staff familiar with diverse family needs, and quicker appointment availability than larger hospitals.
   Website: thearcva.org

For Adults

4. The Autism Society of Central Virginia – Adult Services
   What They Offer: Adult autism evaluations, life skills support, and social groups tailored for adults seeking diagnosis later in life.
   Why Adults Choose It: Offers a respectful, understanding environment with specialized experience in adult autism.
   Website: autismva.org
5. Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)
   What They Offer: Autism and mental health evaluations statewide for teens and adults, with support for Medicaid enrollees.
   Why It’s Great: Affordable or no-cost services for qualifying low-income families, with telehealth options available.
   Website: dbhds.virginia.gov
6. George Mason University – Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic (Fairfax)
   What They Offer: Research-based autism screening and evaluations for adults, often at reduced cost through clinical training programs.
   Why It’s Unique: Great option for adults without insurance or looking for affordable assessments in an academic setting.
   Website: gmu.edu/autism-clinic

Multidisciplinary Autism Evaluation Centers

These centers have teams of specialists from different fields who collaborate to give a comprehensive picture of a person’s needs.

7. Virginia Pediatric Developmental Clinic (Richmond)
   What They Offer: State-funded pediatric specialty care combining medical, psychological, and therapeutic evaluations.
   Who Qualifies: Children with special healthcare needs and Medicaid coverage.
   Website: vdh.virginia.gov
8. The Child Development Clinic – Charlottesville
   What They Offer: Comprehensive autism testing for children and teens, with follow-up therapies and parent training available.
   Why Families Choose It: Known for detailed evaluations and customized care plans.
   Website: childdevelopmentclinic.com

Support Available After Diagnosis

Many of the centers listed don’t stop at testing. They help families and individuals understand results, create action plans, and connect with:

• Speech therapy, ABA, or occupational therapy
  
  
• School advocacy and IEP support
  
  
• Job coaching and life skills training
  
  
• Counseling or support groups
  
  

What to Look for in an Autism Testing Provider

• Experience with your age group (child, teen, or adult)
  
  
• Clear testing steps explained upfront
  
  
• Licensed professionals (psychologists, neurologists, developmental pediatricians)
  
  
• Services offered after diagnosis
  
  
• Accepts your insurance or offers payment plans
  
  

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

Additional Notes

• Age Matters: Some centers specialize in children and teens, while others serve adults as well.
  
  
• Insurance Check: Always call ahead to confirm coverage or payment options.
  
  
• Referral Needed?: Some clinics may require a referral from your primary care provider or pediatrician, especially if using Medicaid or private insurance.
  
  
• Wait Times: Popular centers might have waitlists — it’s helpful to contact multiple locations to find timely appointments.
  
  

Low-Cost and Free Autism Testing Resources in Virginia

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

State-Funded Clinics

Virginia’s Early Intervention System (part of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services) helps families with young children (under age 3) get tested and access support. These services are often free if your child qualifies.
Early Intervention Virginia Website: dbhds.virginia.gov/developmental-services/early-intervention

University-Based Autism Clinics

Universities such as Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and George Mason University offer autism testing through their psychology and education departments. These clinics are typically supervised by licensed professionals and may offer reduced fees or free evaluations as part of research programs.

• VCU Autism Center: Offers diagnostic evaluations and therapy services
  
  
• George Mason University Autism Clinic: Provides adult and child assessments, sometimes as part of research studies
  
  

Nonprofits and Grants

Several nonprofits in Virginia, like the Autism Society of Virginia and local chapters of national organizations, may provide scholarships, referrals to low-cost services, or assistance connecting families to free resources or insurance support.

• Autism Society of Virginia: autismva.org
  
  
• Virginia’s Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) offers Medicaid programs that can cover autism evaluations and therapies.
  
  

How to Choose the Right Evaluation Center

Not all testing centers are the same — choosing the right one can greatly affect the accuracy and usefulness of your results. Here’s what to look for:

• Qualified professionals: Licensed psychologists, developmental pediatricians, or behavioral specialists with autism expertise
  
  
• Age-appropriate services: Some clinics specialize in children, others in adults—choose what fits your needs
  
  
• Comprehensive evaluations: The best centers go beyond quick screenings, observing behavior, gathering history, and using trusted tools like the ADOS
  
  

Questions to Ask Before Booking

• Do you evaluate children, teens, or adults?
  
  
• How long is the wait time for an appointment?
  
  
• Do you accept insurance or offer payment plans?
  
  
• Will I receive a detailed written report and recommendations?
  
  

Choosing a place that answers your questions clearly and treats you with respect is a strong sign you’re in the right hands.

Do You Need a Referral for Autism Testing in Virginia?

Whether you need a referral for autism testing in Virginia depends on where you go and how you’re paying for the evaluation.

If You’re Using Insurance

Most private insurance plans—and Medicaid through Virginia’s Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)—usually require a referral from your child’s pediatrician or your primary care doctor. This referral helps the insurance approve and cover the cost of the testing.

If You’re Paying Out of Pocket

If you’re paying without insurance, you typically don’t need a referral. You can contact a clinic or licensed psychologist directly to schedule an appointment for an autism evaluation.

For Schools or Early Intervention

If your child is under 3 years old, you can access testing and services directly through Virginia’s Early Intervention Program. For children aged 3 or older, you can request autism testing through your public school’s special education department—even if your child isn’t yet enrolled.

Autism Testing for Adults: What’s Different?

Autism isn’t only diagnosed in childhood. Many adults go undiagnosed for years because they learned to “mask” their symptoms or were misunderstood when younger. Today, more adults in Virginia are seeking autism evaluations after recognizing signs in themselves.

What Makes Adult Testing Unique?

• Signs Are Subtle: In adults, autism may appear as social exhaustion, anxiety, difficulty with change, or intense focus on routines and interests. These can be mistaken for anxiety, ADHD, or personality quirks.
  
  
• You Might Already Have a Job or Family: Adult testing considers how you function daily—not just in school or social situations.
  
  
• Providers Matter: Not all clinics are experienced in adult autism diagnosis. It’s important to choose providers specializing in adult evaluations or psychologists familiar with adult traits.
  
  

Why Adults Get Tested:

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

How Long Does Autism Testing Take in Virginia?

Autism testing isn’t a one-time appointment—it’s a step-by-step process designed to fully understand a person’s unique strengths and challenges. Here’s what you can expect during the process:

Initial Call or Intake

You’ll begin by filling out forms and may have a brief phone interview to share background information.

Wait Time

Wait times can vary widely depending on where you go. Some clinics or specialists might have appointments available within weeks, while others—especially popular centers—may have waitlists lasting several months.

Testing Day(s)

On the day(s) of testing, you or your child will meet with a psychologist or specialist for several hours. This may include:

• Answering questions about behaviors and history
  
  
• Completing tasks or puzzles
  
  
• Discussing daily life, routines, and social interactions
  
  

Parent or Caregiver Input

For children—and sometimes adults—interviews with family members help paint a fuller picture of behavior and needs.

Final Report

After testing, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the results and any diagnosis. This report usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to be completed and shared.

What Happens After the Diagnosis?

A diagnosis is not the end—it’s the start of support, understanding, and new opportunities.

If a Diagnosis Is Given:

• You’ll get a written report with evaluation results, diagnosis, and tailored recommendations.
  
  
• You can begin therapies or services such as ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), speech or occupational therapy, social skills groups, or life coaching for teens and adults.
  
  
• Support in school or at work may be arranged, including access to IEP or 504 plans for accommodations.
  
  
• You may qualify for government assistance programs like developmental disability services, Social Security benefits, or job training programs.
  
  

Other Benefits:

Many find relief and empowerment in understanding what’s really been going on.

Tip: Even if an autism diagnosis isn’t given, testing can reveal other important information—such as anxiety, ADHD, or learning differences—so you can get the right support.