Getting an Autism Diagnosis in Richmond, Virginia

Richmond's diagnostic anchor is the Child Development Clinic at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR) — one of five VDH-funded interdisciplinary child development clinics in Virginia. It brings together developmental pediatrics, psychology, education, nursing, and social work for a comprehensive assessment, serving Virginia residents under 21. Referrals can come from families, schools, physicians, or agencies. Waits can run several months to over a year.

Beyond CHoR, private psychologists and diagnostic practices across Greater Richmond offer autism evaluations, sometimes with shorter waits. The Autism Society of Central Virginia maintains a directory of local youth evaluation providers, which can help you compare options.

For children under 3, your local Infant & Toddler Connection program (Richmond and each surrounding county has one) evaluates based on developmental delay — no diagnosis needed. For school-age children, your division (Richmond City, Henrico, Chesterfield, or Hanover) can evaluate for educational eligibility.

Virginia's insurance mandate (any age) and Cardinal Care Medicaid both cover diagnostic evaluation.