Getting an Autism Diagnosis in Arlington & Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia families have among the best diagnostic access in the state, from two directions.

In Virginia: private psychologists and diagnostic practices are dense across Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria, many offering comprehensive autism evaluations. Wait times vary; getting on more than one waitlist is common advice.

Across the river: Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC — a leading pediatric hospital with a large autism and neurodevelopmental program — is a major regional diagnostic resource accessible to NoVA families. Check how your insurance handles an out-of-state (DC) provider.

For children under 3, contact the Infant & Toddler Connection of Arlington (or your locality's program — Fairfax County has its own) for a developmental evaluation — no diagnosis required. For school-age children, Arlington or Fairfax County Public Schools can evaluate for educational eligibility.

Virginia's insurance mandate (any age) and Cardinal Care Medicaid both cover diagnostic evaluation; FEHB and TRICARE have their own rules.