Getting an autism evaluation in Charlotte, at any age
Whether you're a parent of a toddler, a teen who has always felt different, or an adult wondering about yourself, you can get answers. Here is who to call at each age, the two kinds of evaluations, and what to do while you wait.
General information, not medical advice. Talk with a doctor about your concerns.
The short version
- It's never too early or too late. Autism is diagnosed in toddlers, teens and adults. Many adults, especially women, are diagnosed later in life.
- Start with a doctor. For a child, ask the pediatrician for a screening. For an adult, ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
- For children, free help can start before a diagnosis. Under 3, call the Mecklenburg CDSA. Ages 3 and up, ask the school for an evaluation.
- A medical diagnosis is what most programs and insurance need, at any age. Get on a diagnostic waitlist early, because waits can be long.
Find your starting point
Requesting a school evaluation? See our IEP vs. 504 guide.
Not sure where to begin, at any age? Autism Society of North Carolina's Autism Resource Specialists can help you find options: 800-442-2762.
Two different evaluations
Done by a qualified professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, child or adult psychologist, or psychiatrist. Used for health insurance, therapies, state programs like 1915(i) and the Innovations Waiver, and disability benefits.
Done by the CDSA (under 3) or your school district (3 and up). Decides whether a child gets early intervention or special education services and an IEP. It is not a medical diagnosis.
Children often need both. Adults go straight to a medical diagnosis.
The path, step by step
Step 1 — You notice something
For a child or teen: Write down what you see at home and what teachers mention. Short videos help too.
For yourself: Many adults start wondering after a child or relative is diagnosed and they recognize the same traits in themselves. Jot down examples from now and from childhood.
Step 2 — Talk with a doctor
Children: Ask the pediatrician for an autism screening. Pediatricians screen all children at 18 months and 24 to 30 months, and at any visit when a parent is worried. A screening can't diagnose, but it shows whether a full evaluation is needed.
Adults: Your primary care doctor can rule out other health causes and refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an evaluation.
Step 3 · Start both at once — Get support started, and get on a diagnostic waitlist
Support track: Children: call the CDSA (under 3) or the school (3 and up). These evaluations are free and can start services without a diagnosis. Teens 14+ and adults who want to work can also apply to NC Vocational Rehabilitation.
Diagnosis track: Contact a diagnostic provider or ask for a referral. Ask whether they see your age group, whether they take your insurance, and whether there's a cancellation list.
Step 4 — The evaluation
The professional observes, may do structured activities or tests, and asks questions or gives forms to fill out. Adults may be asked about their childhood. If you can, bring someone who knew you as a child, or old school records. A full neuropsychological evaluation is not required to diagnose adults. Afterward you should get a written report.
Step 5 — After a diagnosis
Children and teens: Start therapies through insurance, update the school plan, and apply for the NC Innovations Waiver right away.
Adults: Use your report for disability benefits, job support through Vocational Rehabilitation, and Medicaid programs like 1915(i) if you qualify.
Our Innovations Waiver and 1915(i) guide explains how to apply.
If you're evaluating a teen
- Schools evaluate students through high school. Put your request for an evaluation in writing to the principal.
- Plan for adulthood now. NC Vocational Rehabilitation accepts applications from age 14 for help preparing for work.
- Document it before adulthood if you can. The NC Innovations Waiver requires that the condition began before age 22. A diagnosis and records from the teen years make that easier to show later.
- Include your teen. Let them know what the evaluation is for and how it can help them.
If you're an adult seeking a diagnosis
- Who can diagnose you: a psychologist, psychiatrist or neuropsychologist with experience evaluating adults. Many providers only see children, so ask first.
- Charlotte TEACCH Center evaluates adults. It needs a referral form from a professional such as a physician, nurse, psychologist or social worker, plus a history form, your insurance card and a photo ID.
- Women and girls are often diagnosed later, because autism can look different in them. If you were missed as a child, you're not alone.
- Why it can help: a diagnosis is needed for disability benefits and many support programs, and many adults say it helps them finally understand themselves.
What happens after you call the CDSA (under 3)
NC Infant-Toddler Program
- Make a referral By phone, email, the online form or in person. A parent, doctor or childcare provider can refer.
- Free evaluation Specialists look at how your child is developing. No diagnosis is needed.
- A plan within 45 days If your child is eligible, you'll meet to write an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) within 45 days of the referral.
- Services and a plan for age 3 Some services use a sliding fee scale, and no family is turned away for inability to pay. Your service coordinator helps plan the move to school services at 3.
Before any diagnostic appointment
- Check your insurance Ask whether you need a referral or pre-approval, and which local providers are in network.
- Gather records Screening results, school or CDSA reports, your notes, and childhood records for adults.
- Write down your questions See the list below.
Questions to ask a provider
- Do you evaluate my child's age group, or adults?
- How long is the wait, and is there a cancellation list?
- Do you take my insurance or Medicaid, and do I need a referral?
- Who will do the evaluation, and how long is the appointment?
- Will I get a written report, and when?
- Will you help with next steps after the evaluation?
While you wait
- Don't put help on hold. CDSA and school services don't require a medical diagnosis, and Vocational Rehabilitation can help teens and adults prepare for work.
- Get on more than one waitlist if waits are long, and cancel the extras once you're seen.
- Keep notes of what you notice. They help the professional see what you see day to day.
- Connect with others. Local support groups, including groups for autistic adults, can share which providers have shorter waits.
Find local providers
Browse autism diagnostic evaluation providers in Charlotte, psychologists, psychiatrists and early intervention providers on AutismResources.ai. When you call, ask whether they see your age group.
Sources
- CDC: Screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
- CDC: Screening for autism (AAP recommendations)
- NC Infant-Toddler Program: Frequently asked questions
- Mecklenburg County Public Health: CDSA
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools: Child Find and accessing EC services
- UNC TEACCH: Charlotte TEACCH Center referral process
- UNC TEACCH: Diagnostic evaluation referral information
- Autism Society of NC: Pursuing a diagnosis
- Harvard Adult Autism Health Resources: Getting an autism diagnosis as an adult
- NC DHHS: Vocational Rehabilitation eligibility
- DC Autism Parents and DC Autism Collaborative: Medical diagnosis vs. educational classification
Can adults get an autism evaluation in Charlotte?
Who can diagnose you: a psychologist, psychiatrist or neuropsychologist with experience evaluating adults. Many providers only see children, so ask first. Charlotte TEACCH Center evaluates adults. It needs a referral form from a professional such as a physician, nurse, psychologist or social worker, plus a history form, your insurance card and a photo ID.
Do children need a diagnosis to get early intervention?
Free evaluation, no diagnosis needed. You can refer your own child.
What's the difference between a medical diagnosis and a school evaluation?
Medical diagnosis (any age): Done by a qualified professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, child or adult psychologist, or psychiatrist. Used for health insurance, therapies, state programs like 1915(i) and the Innovations Waiver, and disability benefits. School or early intervention evaluation (children): Done by the CDSA (under 3) or your school district (3 and up). Decides whether a child gets early intervention or special education services and an IEP. It is not a medical diagnosis. Children often need both. Adults go straight to a medical diagnosis.