Autism and Developmental Evaluations

At Whipple Creek Wellness, we understand that some children and adolescents may need more in-depth evaluations to better understand developmental concerns such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning differences, or other developmental delays.

If a comprehensive developmental evaluation is needed, the best first step is to consult your child’s primary care provider. They can review your concerns, rule out other medical conditions, and provide referrals to specialized hospital-based programs.

Oregon-Based Programs

Washington-Based Programs

  • Seattle Children’s Autism Center
    Offers diagnostic evaluations for children ages 15 months to 21 years. Their team develops personalized treatment plans and provides access to therapies, as well as ongoing support.
  • Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital – Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics (Tacoma, WA)
    Provides comprehensive evaluations for children with suspected ASD, developmental delays, or intellectual disabilities. Includes developmental behavioral pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and a nurse navigator to guide families through the process.

Starting with Your Child’s Primary Care Provider (PCP)

The first step in a comprehensive developmental evaluation is to talk with your child’s primary care provider (PCP). They can guide you through the process and coordinate care. Your PCP can:

  • Listen to your concerns and rule out other medical issues.

  • Diagnose or provide referrals to recognized autism evaluation programs, including:

    • Randall Children’s Hospital (Portland, OR)

    • Doernbecher Children’s Hospital – CDRC (Portland, OR)

    • Seattle Children’s Autism Center (Seattle, WA)

    • Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital – Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics (Tacoma, WA)

  • Manage insurance requirements, including referrals or authorizations for hospital-based programs.

  • Track your child’s care and follow up after evaluations to ensure ongoing support.

Why Hospital-Based Programs Are So Valuable

Programs at Randall, Doernbecher, Seattle Children’s, and Mary Bridge shine because they:

  • Use a team approach — developmental pediatricians, psychologists, and therapists collaborate closely.

  • Offer thorough evaluations — including tests, observations, medical and developmental history, and conversations with you.

  • Provide trusted formal reports — accepted by schools, therapists, and insurers.

  • Connect families to resources — such as ABA therapy, school accommodations, and community support.

Understanding State Requirements for a Recognized Autism Diagnosis

In Washington State

To access services like ABA therapy under Apple Health (Medicaid) or qualify for support from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA):

  • A child must be diagnosed by a Center of Excellence (COE) provider—a specialist such as a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, or a trained ARNP/PA-C/naturopath approved by the Health Care Authority. 

  • The evaluation must be comprehensive and recent—within the last two years—and include documentation and a prescription for ABA, if needed.

  • COE providers are also recognized for DDA eligibility.

In Oregon

To access ABA therapy under Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or related supports:

  • The evaluation must be done by a licensed practitioner experienced in autism diagnosis, such as a physician, psychologist, or developmental-medicine nurse practitioner or PA-C.

  • Important elements of the evaluation include:

    • Diagnosis based on DSM criteria.

    • Documentation from validated tools like the ADOS.

    • Interviews with caregivers, medical history, direct observations, and developmental testing (e.g., Vineland).

What Happens During an Autism Evaluation

An autism evaluation is a thorough, multi-step process designed to understand a child’s strengths and challenges. It may include:

  • Review of Records: Medical, developmental, and school records are examined to provide context.

  • Standardized Testing & Play-Based Assessments: Structured activities and observations help assess skills in areas like language, thinking, and problem-solving.

  • Observation of Social and Communication Skills: Evaluators watch how your child interacts with others, communicates, and responds to social cues.

  • Parent and Caregiver Interviews: Your insights and experiences provide essential information about daily behaviors, routines, and challenges.

  • Report & Feedback: A detailed evaluation report is provided, followed by a feedback session with recommendations for therapies, supports, and next steps.

Wait Times & What You Can Do Now

  • In Washington and Oregon, including Southwest Washington and the Portland metropolitan area, wait times for hospital-based autism evaluations can range from one to two years. While waiting, there are several ways to support your child and prepare for future evaluations:

    • Begin or continue therapies such as speech, occupational, or behavioral therapy.

    • Contact Early Intervention (ages 0–3) or your local school district (ages 3+) for evaluation or services.

    • Keep a journal of your child’s behaviors, strengths, and challenges to share with evaluators later.

    • Explore support groups and parent networks—many are open to families even without a formal diagnosis and can provide valuable connections and resources.

How Whipple Creek Wellness Supports You

Our team is here for you every step of the way. While only a Center of Excellence (COE) or similarly qualified provider can issue an official autism diagnosis, Whipple Creek Wellness can help in the meantime:

  • Medication management and supportive therapy to address your child’s current needs.

  • Guidance through the referral process to hospital-based specialists.

  • Assistance in finding interim supports while you wait for a formal evaluation.

Local Resources

National Resources

Practical Supports