How to Find Autism Specialists in the United States: Official Search Tools by Specialty
Written by Dror Arbel, a parent, not a clinician. Last reviewed November 2026. 101Autism does not run its own provider directory and does not vet or endorse individual clinicians; the links below go to official and professional-society search tools.
Quick answer: To find an autism specialist in the US, start with your pediatrician or primary care doctor and your insurance plan’s provider directory, then use the official search tools for each specialty: ASHA ProFind for speech-language pathologists, the BACB registry for behavior analysts, AACAP’s CAP Finder for child psychiatrists, and Autism Care Network centers or university autism clinics for diagnostic evaluations. Children under 3 can get a free evaluation through their state’s Early Intervention program.
Correction (November 2026): An earlier version of this page showed a “specialist directory” that contained sample placeholder entries (invented names, 555 phone numbers and example.com emails), not real providers. We removed it and replaced it with the official search tools below. We apologize for the confusion.
Which Specialist Do You Need?
| Need | Who usually helps | Where to search |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic evaluation (child) | Developmental-behavioral pediatrician, child psychologist, child neurologist or psychiatrist, often as a team | Autism Care Network centers, university or children’s hospital autism clinics, referral from your pediatrician |
| Diagnostic evaluation (adult) | Clinical psychologist or psychiatrist experienced with adult autism | Our adult testing locations by state |
| Under age 3: development concerns | State Early Intervention (IDEA Part C) team | Your state’s Early Intervention program (free evaluation; no diagnosis needed to ask) |
| Speech, language, AAC | Speech-language pathologist (SLP, CCC-SLP) | ASHA ProFind |
| ABA / behavior support | Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) | BACB Certificant Registry (also verifies certification) |
| Medication, anxiety, ADHD, mood | Child and adolescent psychiatrist | AACAP CAP Finder |
| Therapy / counseling | Psychologist, counselor or therapist with autism experience | Psychology Today therapist search (autism filter), your insurance directory |
| Sensory, motor, daily living skills | Occupational therapist (OT) | Pediatrician referral, children’s hospitals, insurance directory |
| School support, IEP / 504 | School psychologist, special education team | Your school district; your state’s Parent Training and Information Center |
Step-by-Step: How to Find One Near You
- Start with your doctor. Ask your pediatrician or primary care doctor for a referral and for the names of local clinics they trust. Many insurance plans require a referral for specialists.
- Check your insurance. Use your plan’s online provider directory or call member services. Ask whether autism evaluation, speech therapy, OT and ABA are covered and whether you need pre-authorization.
- Use the specialty search tools in the table above, and filter by distance and age group.
- Look at academic centers. Children’s hospitals, university autism centers and university training programs (for example LEND programs, listed by AUCD) often offer evaluations, sometimes at lower cost, though wait lists can be long.
- Get on more than one wait list. Diagnostic wait times are often months long. Being on several lists, and asking to be called about cancellations, can shorten the wait.
- Do not wait to start support. For young children, Early Intervention and school services can begin based on developmental needs, before a formal diagnosis.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- How much experience do you have with autism at my child’s (or my) age?
- Which tools do you use (for example ADOS-2, ADI-R) and how long does the evaluation take?
- Will I get a written report, and when?
- Do you take my insurance? What will I pay out of pocket if not?
- Are you licensed in my state (and certified, for SLPs and BCBAs)? You can verify licenses on your state licensing board’s website.
- Do you offer telehealth for follow-ups?
Preparing for an evaluation? Our ADOS-2 guide explains what happens during the most common observation assessment.
Found a clinic? Prepare before you call
The Pre-Assessment Checklist helps you gather history, concerns and questions before an autism evaluation, so you get more out of the appointment.
Download the Pre-Assessment Checklist
A printable organizing tool from 101Autism.com. Not medical advice.
Related Guides
- Where to get tested for autism as an adult, by state
- Autism support groups across the United States
- M-CHAT toddler screening questionnaire
- Can a school psychologist diagnose autism?
FAQ
What kind of doctor diagnoses autism?
Autism is usually diagnosed by a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, a child or clinical psychologist, a child neurologist or a psychiatrist, often working as a team. Adults are usually assessed by a psychologist or psychiatrist experienced with adult autism.
Do I need a referral to see an autism specialist?
It depends on your insurance. Many HMO plans require a referral from your primary care doctor; PPO plans often do not. Check with your plan before booking.
How can I check that a therapist is qualified?
Check your state licensing board for psychologists, counselors, OTs and SLPs. For behavior analysts, the BACB Certificant Registry shows whether a BCBA certification is active. ASHA ProFind lists ASHA-certified SLPs.
What if the wait list is very long?
Join several wait lists, ask about cancellations, ask your pediatrician about other clinics or telehealth options, and start Early Intervention or school services in the meantime if your child qualifies.
Does 101Autism recommend specific specialists?
No. We do not vet or endorse individual clinicians. We link to official and professional-society directories so you can search and verify providers yourself.
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