Getting an Autism Diagnosis in Texas

Getting an autism evaluation in Texas can feel overwhelming, but it usually follows a few steps. Acting early matters: earlier support tends to help more, and it also starts the clock on the waiver interest lists (see our Texas Medicaid waivers guide).

Where to start

• Talk to your pediatrician. Share your observations and ask for a developmental screening and a referral for a full evaluation.
• Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) serves children under 3 in Texas — you can often self-refer for a developmental evaluation while you wait on a formal diagnosis.
• For school-age children, your public school district can evaluate for special education eligibility at no cost, separate from a medical diagnosis.
• A formal diagnosis typically comes from a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or a specialized autism evaluation center — several are listed in our diagnosis & evaluation directory for Houston.

What to bring

Notes on what you've observed and when, any daycare or school feedback, and your insurance information. Ask each provider up front which insurance and Medicaid waivers they accept and what the current waitlist looks like — those are the details we track in our directory.