Getting an Autism Diagnosis in Burlington, Vermont

In the Burlington area, two hubs handle most autism evaluations. UVM Medical Center Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics generally evaluates younger children (roughly birth to 8). The Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families (VCCYF) Autism Assessment Clinic, within UVM's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, evaluates children and adolescents across a wider age range (roughly birth to 18). A small number of private providers also diagnose statewide.

Because Vermont is small and rural, these clinics serve the whole state, and demand outstrips a limited number of specialists. That means waitlists can be long, and families outside Chittenden County — in the Northeast Kingdom or southern Vermont — often travel to Burlington for evaluation. It is honest to say access is easier if you live near Burlington than if you do not.

If your child is under 3, you do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis to start getting help. Children's Integrated Services — Early Intervention (CIS-EI) provides free developmental evaluations and services at little or no cost, regardless of income or insurance, and no diagnosis or referral is required. This is often the fastest first move for very young children.