Quick answer: At We Care Support Services, an autism evaluation billed out of network costs $160 per hour, and a comprehensive assessment usually takes 12 to 18 billable hours, or about $1,920 to $2,880. If we are in network with your plan, you pay your deductible and copays instead. We confirm costs before you book.
Families often tell us the hardest part of getting an autism evaluation is not the decision to do it. It is not knowing what it will cost. This guide explains what you are paying for, what changes the price, and how to find out what your insurance will cover before you commit.
How much does autism testing cost in Florida?
Prices vary from one provider to the next, so it helps to compare the same things: the hourly rate, the number of hours, and what the report includes. Here is how it works at our offices in Orlando, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens:
- Out of network: $160 per hour. A comprehensive assessment usually totals 12 to 18 billable hours, which works out to roughly $1,920 to $2,880.
- In network: we are in network with Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, UMR, Oscar Health, MultiPlan, Medicare and VA Community Care. You are responsible for your deductible and any copays or coinsurance your plan applies.
- Court-ordered evaluations: start at $250 per hour. These are separate from a family-requested autism evaluation.
See our rates and insurance page for the current list.
What are the billable hours for?
An autism evaluation is more than a single appointment. Billable time includes the work that happens before, during and after you are in the room:
- Reviewing your intake paperwork and any past reports, school records or medical records.
- A clinical interview about development, behavior, communication, health and family history.
- Direct testing and observation with standardized tools, such as the ADOS-2, along with cognitive, language or learning measures when they are needed.
- Scoring and interpreting the results, and checking whether anxiety, ADHD, language disorders or other conditions better explain some of what you see.
- Writing the report and meeting with you to explain it.
Insurers receive these services billed under psychological testing codes (the CPT 96130 to 96139 family), which is why the plan’s rules for “psychological testing” are the ones that matter.
What can make the cost higher or lower?
- Age and how the person communicates. Evaluating a toddler, a teen and an adult look different and take different amounts of time.
- Other concerns. If you also want ADHD, learning or language questions answered, the evaluation takes longer.
- Records. Recent school or medical reports can reduce repeated testing.
- Your plan. Deductibles, copays, the number of hours your plan allows and whether it needs prior authorization all change what you pay.
Does insurance cover autism testing?
It depends on the plan. Many plans cover psychological testing for an autism diagnosis when it is medically necessary, but some exclude developmental or educational testing, and plans that are self-funded by an employer follow different rules from plans bought on the marketplace. Before you book, ask your insurer:
- Does my plan cover psychological testing to diagnose autism spectrum disorder?
- Is the provider in network? If not, what do I pay out of network?
- Is prior authorization required, and how many hours or units are approved?
- How much of my deductible has been met this year?
You do not have to do this alone. We verify your benefits and explain the expected cost before testing begins.
Is there a lower-cost way to start?
Public schools must evaluate students they suspect have a disability, at no cost to parents, to decide whether a child qualifies for special education services. A school evaluation answers an educational question, and it does not always include a clinical diagnosis. Many families use both: the school’s evaluation for school services, and a private evaluation for a diagnosis, treatment recommendations and benefits such as the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities. If you disagree with a school’s evaluation, you may also be able to request an independent educational evaluation.
What do you get for the cost?
A written report that explains whether your child or you meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder under the DSM-5-TR, what the testing showed about strengths and challenges, and specific next steps for school, therapy and home. You also get a feedback session with the clinician to ask questions. Learn more about autism testing for children and teens or adult autism testing.
If you are still deciding whether an evaluation is the right step, read signs a child needs an autism evaluation and how autism testing helps families get answers.
Autism testing cost FAQs
Will I know the total cost before testing starts?
Yes. We verify your benefits and explain what to expect before your evaluation. If you pay out of network, we can explain the estimated hours for your situation.
Why do some insurance plans not pay for it?
Some plans exclude developmental or educational testing, limit the number of testing hours, or require prior authorization. Coverage also differs between plan types. Calling the number on your insurance card with the questions above is the quickest way to find out.
Is a school evaluation the same as a private autism evaluation?
No. A school evaluation decides whether a student is eligible for special education services. A private evaluation can provide a clinical diagnosis and broader recommendations. They answer different questions, and many families use both.
How long does the whole process take?
You start with an intake call and a clinical interview, followed by one to three testing appointments, depending on age and questions. Then there is a feedback session and a written report. We give you a timeline at intake and can plan around deadlines.
Where can I get autism testing in Florida?
We evaluate children, teens and adults at our Orlando, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens offices, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Call (877) 302-5628 or request an appointment.
Get an evaluation in Florida
We Care Support Services provides autism testing for children, teens and adults. Call (877) 302-5628 and we will check your insurance and walk you through the cost.
