How to Get Services
How do I get services at Seattle Children’s Autism Center?
1. Talk with your child’s primary care provider
Ask your child’s primary care provider to refer you to Seattle Children’s Autism Center. All of our services require a referral from your primary care provider, except some classes that do not require a referral. We do not provide second opinions or re-evaluations for autism.
2. Check that we got the referral
If you are new to the Autism Center, call 206-987-8080 to make sure we have your referral and all the information we need.
3. Is your referral for a diagnostic evaluation, specific service or general autism care?
Diagnostic evaluation or other specific service
A healthcare provider needs to refer your child for a diagnostic evaluation for autism or another specific service at the Autism Center (like our Pediatric Feeding Program or Psychiatric and Medication Consultation Clinic). We will put you on our appointment waitlist. We will call you to schedule when we have an opening.
Many of our services have long waits. You can ask to be put on a list to get notified if someone cancels their appointment.
Many other clinics in Washington offer autism diagnostic services. You may be able to get an evaluation at another clinic closer to home with shorter wait times.
- See a list of autism Centers of Excellence (PDF) by county. These are medical practices authorized by the Washington State Health Care Authority to diagnose autism and prescribe related services. •
- What to Do While Waiting for a Seattle Children's Autism Center Appointment (PDF) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
- Autism Evaluation Providers in the Northwest (PDF) (Spanish)
Autism care
If your child already has an autism diagnosis and a provider referred them to the Autism Center for care (not to a specific service like our Pediatric Feeding Program or Psychiatric and Medication Consultation Clinic):
- Your next step is to take our 90-minute telehealth (virtual) class called Accessing Treatment, Learning and Support (ATLAS) (PDF). The class provides an overview and discussion of ways to find support and services in the community and at Seattle Children’s Autism Center. •
- How to register for the class: After we receive your child’s referral, we will call you and send you a link by email or text to a website called Inside Out Care. Go to the website, answer the screening questions and choose a date to attend ATLAS.
- If you are not able to attend ATLAS, let us know. Our schedulers will help you find another way to get care at the Autism Center or in the community.
Other Autism Resources
- Listen to the Seattle Mama Doc podcast on what to do while waiting for an evaluation.
- Learn about other resources through Seattle Children’s and in the community.
Interested in taking part in research?
Your child may be able to take part in research even if you have to wait for an appointment. To learn more about participating in research, call 206-987-7917 or email us.
Insurance Coverage
The Autism Center provides both medical and mental health services. It’s always best to call your insurance plan to check your benefits. Read about insurance and mental health coverage at Seattle Children’s. Classes at the Autism Center are not covered by insurance, but you may attend for free if you qualify for Medicaid or Seattle Children’s Financial Assistance Program.
