You suspect something. Maybe your pediatrician flagged it. Maybe your gut has been telling you for months. Either way, the next question is where to actually take your child.
An autism evaluation Maryland families typically pursue is a clinical assessment by a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or neuropsychologist that determines whether a child meets DSM-5 criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The most common pathways are Kennedy Krieger Institute’s CASSI program in Baltimore, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, and MedStar Georgetown for DMV-area families. Wait times currently run anywhere from 3 months to 2 years. Private psychologists are typically the fastest route. Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary evaluations, but coverage details vary by carrier.
The Main Places to Get an Autism Evaluation in Maryland
Maryland has a small handful of well-established clinics that handle pediatric autism assessments. Most families end up at one of four pathways.
Kennedy Krieger Institute (CASSI) — Baltimore
The Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation at Kennedy Krieger (formerly CARD) is one of the most recognized autism programs in the country. CASSI uses an interdisciplinary model that combines psychology, neuropsychology, and medical specialists. Evaluations typically include the ADOS-2 plus a structured parent interview.
The trade-off is the wait. Demand consistently outstrips capacity, and intake requires submitting a CASSI form before any scheduling happens. Families often report waiting 12 to 18 months for a comprehensive evaluation. If you’re weighing this option against private ABA care, our breakdown on Kennedy Krieger vs. private ABA therapy in Baltimore is worth reading.
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital — Baltimore & Largo
MWPH runs two programs that matter here. The Autism Spectrum Center handles diagnostic evaluations using the ADOS-2 along with family treatment services. The Developmental Evaluation Clinic covers broader developmental concerns for infants and toddlers, with sites in Baltimore (Rogers Avenue) and Largo (UM Capital Region).
MWPH is jointly owned by Johns Hopkins Medicine and University of Maryland Medical System, which often makes insurance navigation cleaner than at standalone clinics.
MedStar Georgetown ACDC — DC Metro
The Autism and Communications Disorder Clinic at MedStar Georgetown evaluates children across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia corridor. Evaluations are spread over three to four visits, then a parent feedback conference closes things out.
Important policy update: as of January 2025, ACDC only evaluates current MedStar Health patients. If your child isn’t already in the MedStar system, you’ll need a different clinic or you’ll need to establish care with a MedStar pediatrician first.
Private Psychologists and Neuropsychologists
Independent licensed psychologists across Maryland such as Rockville, Columbia, Towson, Frederick, and Bethesda especially offer comprehensive autism testing for children. The upside: usually a 2 to 6-week wait and faster reports. The downside: many are out-of-network or self-pay, with evaluations running $2,000 to $5,000. CareFirst/BCBS coverage is common; Medicaid acceptance is rarer.
Autism Evaluation Wait Times in Maryland
Waitlists at medical autism evaluation Maryland clinics range from 3 months to 2 years, according to clinic-reported data and parent advocacy groups. Rough landscape:
- Kennedy Krieger CASSI: 12 to 18 months, sometimes longer
- Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital: 6 to 12 months
- MedStar Georgetown ACDC: 3 to 9 months for existing patients
- Private psychologists: 2 to 12 weeks
The standard professional advice is to apply at multiple clinics on the same day and cancel later ones once an earlier slot opens. Don’t sit and wait for any single clinic to call back. For children under 3, a diagnosis isn’t needed to start Maryland’s Infants and Toddlers Program, which provides free early intervention. We cover this in detail in our piece on whether autism can be diagnosed before age 2.
Insurance Coverage for Maryland Autism Diagnosis
Most major insurers cover medically necessary evaluations, but rules vary:
- Maryland Medicaid (administered through Carelon Behavioral Health) covers ABA therapy for eligible children under 21 with a formal ASD diagnosis under the EPSDT benefit
- Private insurers like CareFirst/BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare typically cover evaluations when ordered by a physician
- Out-of-network private psychologists often provide superbills for reimbursement
The financial side can still surprise families. Our breakdown on the high cost of an autism diagnosis lays out what to expect. Once a diagnosis is in hand, our Move Up ABA team can verify your coverage and explain next steps.
What to Bring to Your Child’s Evaluation
Showing up prepared shortens the process. Bring:
- Pediatric records and growth chart
- Prior speech, OT, or developmental therapy reports
- Any existing IFSP or IEP documentation
- A short video of your child at home or daycare, if requested
- A written list of behaviors and concerns with rough timelines
- A list of medications, vitamins, or supplements
Most clinics email intake paperwork covering family history and developmental milestones. Fill it out fully. Vague answers slow the final report.
Medical vs. Educational Eligibility: Not the Same Thing
This trips up most families. A medical autism diagnosis (DSM-5, from a clinician) is what unlocks insurance-funded therapy like ABA, speech, and OT. An educational classification of autism (from the school system, under IDEA) is what unlocks IEP services in public school.
You can have one without the other, and many children need both. Maryland’s Autism Waiver, for instance, requires either an educational classification or a DSM-5 diagnosis combined with an IEP of 15 or more hours of services per week, according to the Maryland State Department of Education. For most Maryland families, pursuing both medical and educational tracks in parallel is the smartest move. We walk through what comes after a diagnosis in diagnosed with autism: what’s next.
Once you have an evaluation report, or even just a referral on the way, figuring out what therapy looks like for your child is the next puzzle. Move Up ABA works with families across Maryland and Virginia to build individualized, BCBA-led therapy plans grounded in each child’s strengths. Reach out to our team and we’ll walk through your evaluation, your coverage, and your options without any pressure.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How long does an autism evaluation take in Maryland?
A: Most comprehensive evaluations span 4 to 8 hours total, usually split across 2 to 4 visits. The wait to start ranges from 2 weeks at a private psychologist to 2 years at a major hospital system.
Q: Does insurance pay for an autism evaluation in Maryland?
A: Yes, most major Maryland insurers and Medicaid cover medically necessary autism evaluations. Always confirm coverage with both your plan and the clinic before the first appointment.
Q: Can my pediatrician diagnose autism?
A: Most pediatricians screen for autism but refer out for the actual diagnosis. Final ASD diagnoses are typically made by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists.
Q: What age can a child be evaluated for autism in Maryland?
A: Children as young as 18 to 24 months can be reliably evaluated. Earlier evaluation also opens access to free early intervention through Maryland’s Infants and Toddlers Program.
Q: Do I need a referral for an autism evaluation in Maryland?
A: Some hospital-based clinics require a pediatrician referral. Most private psychologists do not. Confirm requirements with the specific provider when scheduling.
Q: What’s the difference between a medical and educational autism diagnosis?
A: A medical diagnosis comes from a clinician using DSM-5 criteria and unlocks insurance-funded therapy. An educational classification comes from a school district under IDEA and unlocks IEP services.
Sources:
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/pages/special-education/autismfactsheet.aspx
https://www.mwph.org/health-services/behavioral-health/autism-spectrum-center
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html
https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/autism-and-communications-disorder-clinic
