Finding the right autism services for your child can feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. Many parents find themselves stuck, not knowing where to start or who to call to get an evaluation. We wrote this guide to walk you through the entire process, from that first referral to your first appointment. Whether you’re just starting to notice signs in your child or a doctor has already suggested evaluation, these steps will help you move forward with confidence.

What Do Autism Focused Clinics Do?

A clinic that specializes in autism allows your family to work with professionals who deeply understand autism spectrum disorders. These clinics offer evaluations, diagnoses, therapy services, and ongoing support tailored specifically to people on the autism spectrum.

The staff at these clinics typically includes special educators, psychologists, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral specialists who work together as a team. They understand the unique challenges that come with autism and know how to help. They know what to look for during evaluations. They understand the subtle differences between autism and other developmental conditions. They stay current on the latest research and treatment approaches.

This specialized knowledge makes a real difference. For example, a speech therapist who works primarily with autistic children knows techniques that have been proven to work with other kids with autism.

Your child deserves this level of expertise. That’s why making the effort to find and access a specialized clinic matters so much.

Do You Actually Need a Referral?

This question has different answers depending on where you live and what insurance you have. Many insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor before they will cover visits to specialists. Without that referral, you might end up paying the full cost out of pocket, which can run into thousands of dollars for evaluations alone.

But insurance is not the only factor. Some clinics have their own policies requiring referrals, regardless of insurance. They want to make sure families have already discussed concerns with their regular doctor and that an autism evaluation makes sense.

Who can give you a referral? Usually, your child’s primary care physician or pediatrician. Sometimes a school psychologist, guidance counselor, or therapist can also write referrals, depending on the clinic’s requirements. If your child already sees a psychologist or psychiatrist, they might be able to refer you as well.

That said, some clinics accept self-referrals. This means you can call and schedule directly without a doctor’s note.

Even if a clinic technically allows self-referrals, checking your insurance requirements first saves headaches later. Call your insurance company and ask specifically about autism evaluation coverage and referral requirements. Get the name of the person you spoke with and jot down the date and time of your call. This documentation helps if problems come up later.

The Step-by-Step Process

Start by calling your child’s pediatrician. Tell the scheduler you want to discuss developmental concerns and need a referral for autism evaluation. This ensures adequate appointment time.

Before your appointment, gather documentation:

• School reports mentioning social difficulties or behavioral issues
• Teacher notes
• Records from other therapists, if applicable
• Your written observations with specific examples and dates

Use specific details. Instead of “he has trouble with other kids,” say “he plays alone at recess daily and doesn’t respond when classmates try talking to him.”
Instead of “she gets upset easily,” say “she has 20–30-minute meltdowns when her routine changes, even small changes like different routes home.”

During your appointment, do not downplay your concerns. Stand your ground. Early intervention makes a huge difference. Some doctors want to “wait and see” or suggest the child will “grow out of it.” Waiting rarely helps. Get a second opinion, if needed.

Once the doctor agrees, confirm details in the office:

• Which clinic?
• What services requested?
• Who handles insurance authorization?
• When should the referral reach the clinic?

Ask for a copy of the referral paperwork. Get phone numbers for the doctor’s referral coordinator and the clinic’s intake line.

Find out if you need to do anything else. Some insurance requires you to call for authorization. Some clinics want direct contact once the referral goes through. Knowing upfront prevents delays.

Finding the Right Clinic

Insurance Directory
Check your insurance provider’s website for autism services or developmental pediatrics. If you find it confusing, call member services—they can give you a list of clinics that are covered by your plan.

Hospital Websites
Look up children’s hospitals or major medical centers nearby; these usually have autism clinics or can refer you to one.

National Organizations
Groups like Autism Speaks’ Autism Response Team and Autism Society chapters offer free referral databases to help you find resources.

Word of Mouth
Talk to your child’s school counselor, special education coordinator, therapists, or parent support groups for recommendations on reputable local clinics.

Tips for Comparing Clinics

Location
Since treatment requires multiple appointments over time, choosing a clinic close to home makes things easier, especially if your child feels stressed.

Available Services
Some clinics only offer diagnosis, while others provide ongoing therapy as well. Comprehensive programs might include speech, occupational, physical, behavioral therapies, and support for families. Think about your child’s current and future needs.

Wait Times
Clinics often have long waitlists, sometimes months or even a year. Ask about this early. While waiting for your top choice, book earlier appointments elsewhere.

Credentials
Confirm that staff have the proper licenses, such as board certified behavior analysts, licensed clinical social workers, and accreditations from organizations like the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence.

Online Reviews
Read several online reviews to spot trends, instead of focusing on one extreme opinion. A single negative review does not mean a bad clinic, and high ratings are not always a guarantee.

The Scheduling Process

After receiving your referral, contact the clinic’s intake line or referral coordinator to schedule an autism evaluation appointment.

Have on hand:

• Child’s full name and date of birth.
• Insurance information (member ID and group number).
• Referring doctor’s name and contact information.
• Your phone number and email address.

Ask about the intake process:

• Do they send forms to complete beforehand?
• Can you download them or will they mail them?
• How much time will it take to complete the paperwork?

Find out what documentation to bring or send ahead:

• Previous medical records.
• School reports.
• Prior evaluation or testing results.

Confirm appointment details:

• Date, time, location
• Which provider you’ll see
• What services are scheduled (intake interview only or testing too?)
• Expected duration

If there is a long waitlist, get on multiple waitlists simultaneously. Then cancel unneeded appointments once you secure a spot.

The Big Day

Create a folder with relevant documents

• Medical records from birth (include neonatal complications, vision/hearing tests, immunizations).
• School records (report cards, progress reports, special education evaluations, IEPs, teacher notes describing observed behaviors).
• Preschool records, if applicable.
• Therapy service records (speech, occupational, play therapy evaluations, and progress notes).

Write a detailed developmental history

• Milestones: when your child sat up, crawled, walked, talked.
• Any delays or regression (skills lost).

Document behaviors

• Not “flaps hands” but “flaps hands when excited, 10-15 times daily.”
• Not “lines up toys” but “lines up toys in precise rows, becomes very upset if moved.”
• “Repeats TV show phrases in situations where they don’t fit the conversation.”

Prepare your questions

• What happens after this appointment?
• How long does full evaluation take?
• When will we get results?
• What treatment options exist if diagnosed?
• Does the clinic provide therapy, or do we find providers elsewhere?
• How often do we return?

Prepare your child

• Younger: “We’re meeting a doctor who wants to play games and ask questions.”
• Older/teens: Be more direct about the purpose.

Accommodation

• Bring comfort items (favorite toy/stuffed animal).
• Pack snacks (for preferences or long appointments).
• Download tablet games/videos for waiting.
• Figure out transportation and parking.
• Do a test drive if unfamiliar with location.
• Arrange for time off from work.
• Line up sibling childcare if needed.

Once you are prepared, the most important thing to do is make sure that both you and your child get a good night’s sleep. Wake up fresh and go into the day relaxed with a positive attitude.

The First Visit

Expect the first appointment to be an intake interview where the clinician will ask detailed questions about:

• Pregnancy and birth: Complications? Premature/late? Birth weight? NICU time?
• Early development: Milestone timing? Unusual patterns? How they played as baby/toddler? Eye contact? Response to name?
• Current behaviors: Communication style? Play interests? Friends? Handling routine changes? Repetitive behaviors or intense interests? Sensory sensitivities (sounds, textures, lights, smells)?
• Family history: Autism, developmental delays, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions in family?
• School: Academic performance? Easy/hard subjects? Interactions with teachers and peers? Behavioral issues?

Next is direct interaction with your child.

• Young children: Play-based observation of communication, social responses, and reactions to specific toys/activities
• Older children/adults: Structured tasks—answering questions, completing puzzles, following instructions, conversation

Evaluation length varies: Some clinics complete full diagnostics in one 3–4-hour appointment; others use multiple visits. You will complete standardized questionnaires/rating scales like ADOS, ADI-R, or developmental screening tools. Answer honestly. Say when you are uncertain. Guessing helps no one.

End of first visit: Clinician explains next steps—additional testing? When to expect results? How they will communicate (phone, follow-up appointment, written report)? Many clinics cannot diagnose immediately. Clinicians need time to review information, score tests, and consult their team. Thorough evaluations take time.

If diagnosed, discuss treatment recommendations: ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social skills groups, or medication.

Ask about accessing treatments: Does the clinic provide services? If not, can they refer you? How do you get started?

When Things Get Difficult

Long waitlists

• Ask about cancellation lists.
• Call periodically to check for openings.
• Express willingness for short notice or unpopular times (early morning/late afternoon).
• Apply to multiple clinics simultaneously (university hospitals have long waits but excellent reputations; private clinics may be faster).
• Consider paying out-of-pocket for private evaluation while waiting for insurance-covered appointments.

Insurance denials

Understand the denial: Call for detailed written explanation. Common reasons: not medically necessary, out-of-network provider, missing authorization.

Write a formal appeal

• Include child’s medical history.
• Explain medical necessity.
• Attach supporting letters from doctors, therapists, teachers.
• Get pediatrician’s letter of medical necessity.

Meet appeal deadlines: Typically, 60-180 days. Do not miss this window.

If first appeal fails: File second-level appeal. Consider help from patient advocate or insurance attorney.

External review: Some states offer independent third-party review after exhausting internal appeals.

Stay organized

• Use three-ring binder with dividers: medical records, school records, therapy notes, insurance correspondence, appointment schedules.
• Keep a master contact list with names, phone numbers, emails, best contact times, reference numbers.
• Document every call: date, time, person, discussion summary.

Persistence pays off. The system is frustrating but do not give up. Your child needs these services, and you have every right to access them.

Questions to Ask When Contacting Therapeutic Day Programs

• Which insurance plans do you accept, including Medicaid or CPS agreements?
• What is the student-to-therapist ratio?
• What therapies are offered (ABA, ST, OT, PT)?
• Do you have transportation services?
• What does a typical day entail?
• How are parents involved?
• What are the age range and enrollment limits?
• Is there a waitlist and how long is it?
• Sliding-scale fees
• Scholarships
• Medicaid acceptance
• CPS service agreements

Directory of Resources in Chicago

Autism Speaks

• Website: https://www.autismspeaks.org
• Autism Response Team: 888-288-4762
• Services: Comprehensive resource database, connects families to local Chicago providers, toolkits in multiple languages

Autism Society of America

• National Website: https://www.autism-society.org
• National Helpline: 800-328-8476
• Services: Provider referrals, support group connections, advocacy assistance

Autism Science Foundation

• Website: https://autismsciencefoundation.org
• Services: Evidence-based family resources, guidance on diagnosis and treatment options

Illinois Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

• Website: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29761
• Phone: 888-337-5267
• Services: Medicaid waivers, respite care, case management, residential services

Illinois Early Intervention Program (Birth – Age 3)

• Website: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30321
• Central Intake: 800-843-6154
• Services: FREE developmental screenings, evaluations, speech therapy, occupational therapy, family support

Illinois State Board of Education – Special Education

• Website: https://www.isbe.net/specialeducation
• Phone: 217-782-5589
• Services: IEP guidance, educational rights information, transition planning resources

Specialized Day Programs & Diagnostic Services, and Therapeutic Clinics in Chicago

Merlin Day Academy

• Website: https://www.merlindayacademy.com
• Phone: 312-312-7525
• Location: 3319 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
• Services: Therapeutic day program for children ages 6-14 with autism and developmental disabilities, individualized ABA therapy, speech and occupational therapy, social skills development, low student-to-staff ratio, academic programming integrated with clinical services

Eyas Landing

• Website: https://www.eyaslanding.com
• Phone: 312-733-0883
• Locations: 1409 W. Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, 3319 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
• Services: Therapeutic clinic for ages 0-21, multidisciplinary approach offering individual 1:1 sessions of ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, occupational therapy

Blue Bird Day

• Website: https://bluebirddayprogram.com/
• Phone: 312-243-8487
• Locations: West Loop (1233 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60607), Northcenter (1921 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60613), Wheaton (140 East Loop Road, Wheaton, IL 60189)
• Services: Therapeutic day program for children ages 2-7, integrates developmental and play-based approaches, ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills groups, feeding therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy

Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD)

• Website: https://www.frcd.org
• Phone: 312-939-3513
• Services: FREE advocacy, special education support, parent training, bilingual services (Spanish)

Chicago Public Schools – Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services

• Website: https://www.cps.edu/about/departments/students-with-disabilities/
• Phone: 773-553-1800
• Services: Special education services, IEP support, autism program placements within CPS, can help connect families with approved therapeutic day programs

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital – Autism Program

• Website: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/autism
• Services: Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, developmental assessments

Rush University Medical Center – Developmental Pediatrics

• Website: https://www.rush.edu/kids/treatments/developmental-behavioral-pediatrics
• Phone: 312-942-3034
• Location: 1725 W Harrison St. Professional Building – Suite 710, Chicago, IL 60612
• Services: Autism evaluations, developmental assessments, treatment planning

Support Groups & Parent Networks

The Arc of Illinois

• Website: https://www.thearcofil.org
• Services: Family support, advocacy training, sibling support programs

North Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA)

• Website: https://www.nssra.org
• Phone: 847-509-9400
• Services: Inclusive recreation programs, social clubs for individuals with autism (serves North and Northwest Chicago suburbs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to get an appointment after a referral is made?

Wait times can vary widely by clinic, ranging from a few weeks to several months. It’s a good idea to get on multiple waitlists and ask about cancellation lists to increase your chances of an earlier appointment.

What should I bring to my child’s first appointment?

Bring all relevant documentation, including medical records, school reports, prior evaluations, and any notes from therapists. Also bring your insurance information, a list of your questions, and comfort items for your child, if needed.

Will insurance cover autism evaluations and treatment?

Many insurance plans require a referral and will cover some or all of the evaluation and treatment costs, but coverage varies. Call your insurance provider in advance to confirm what is needed and what services are covered.

What happens if my child is not diagnosed with autism?

If your child is not diagnosed, clinicians may offer alternative explanations for observed behaviors and recommend further testing, services, or resources that may address your child’s needs.

Can I choose which clinic to go to?

Yes, but your options may be affected by your insurance coverage, clinic waitlists, and the types of services offered. Using the tips in this guide can help you compare clinics effectively.

What types of therapies do clinics offer?

Many clinics offer a range of services including speech therapy, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), physical therapy, social skills groups, and family support.

Is it possible to get a second opinion?
Absolutely. If you are unsure about recommendations or a diagnosis, seeking a second opinion is always an option and can provide greater peace of mind.

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