If your pediatrician has raised a concern about autism — or you’ve raised one yourself — you may have been told your child needs a “full evaluation,” and the ADOS is often the test families hear about first. The next question is usually practical: where do we actually get one?
This guide explains who administers the ADOS-2, where to look, what to expect on wait times, and questions worth asking when you call.
First, What the ADOS Is (and Isn’t)
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is a semi-structured, play-based observation administered by a trained clinician. It’s one of the most widely used instruments in autism evaluation — but it’s one component of a comprehensive evaluation, not a standalone verdict. A qualified clinician combines observation, developmental history, and other measures to reach a diagnosis. We cover the instrument itself in our ADOS-2 explainer.
That matters for your search: you’re not really looking for “an ADOS test” — you’re looking for a qualified clinician who performs comprehensive autism evaluations, which will often include the ADOS-2 among other tools.
Who Can Perform an Autism Evaluation
Depending on your state and insurance, a diagnostic evaluation is typically performed by:
- Developmental-behavioral pediatricians — pediatricians with subspecialty training in development.
- Child psychologists and neuropsychologists — often the largest group performing ADOS-based evaluations.
- Child psychiatrists and pediatric neurologists — particularly where co-occurring conditions are in question.
- Multidisciplinary teams at children’s hospitals and university centers.
Training requirements to administer the ADOS-2 are covered in our guide to ADOS-2 certification.
Where to Look
1. Start with your pediatrician. A referral may be required by insurance, and pediatricians usually know which local evaluators have the shortest waits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months, so your pediatrician’s office is set up for this conversation (AAP; HealthyChildren.org).
2. Children’s hospitals and university autism centers. These centers typically offer comprehensive and sometimes team evaluations. The tradeoff is often the wait — large centers can have some of the longest queues.
3. Your health plan’s provider directory. Search for developmental pediatrics, child psychology, or neuropsychology, and call to confirm they perform autism diagnostic evaluations for your child’s age.
4. Early intervention (under age 3) and your school district (3+). These public systems evaluate eligibility for services — a valuable, no-cost step — though an educational eligibility determination is not the same as a medical diagnosis.
5. Specialty autism diagnostic clinics and ABA organizations with diagnostic services. A growing number of autism care organizations have added diagnostic evaluation to shorten the path from concern to treatment.
The Wait-Time Reality — and Why Families Ask About Alternatives
Families are often quoted waits of many months for a comprehensive evaluation; long diagnostic wait times are one of the most persistent problems in autism care (our wait-times explainer covers the data). Two practical notes:
- Ask to be waitlisted at more than one site and take cancellation lists seriously.
- Ask what tools the clinic uses. The ADOS-2 is common, but it is not the only path — clinicians may use instruments such as the CARS-2 or ADI-R as part of a comprehensive evaluation, and some now incorporate newer FDA-cleared technologies.
On that last point: some providers use the EarliPoint System, an FDA-cleared medical device that aids qualified clinicians in the diagnosis and assessment of ASD in children 16 to 95 months old who are at risk based on concerns shared by a parent, caregiver, or healthcare provider. The child watches short videos while the device measures looking behavior; a qualified clinician uses that data alongside their clinical judgment. Families can search for locations offering EarliPoint evaluations through the EarliPoint provider network page.
Questions to Ask When You Call
- Do you perform comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations for children my child’s age?
- Which clinician performs the evaluation, and what are their credentials?
- What does the evaluation include, and how many visits does it take?
- What is the current wait time, and is there a cancellation list?
- Do you accept our insurance, and is a referral required? (See our guide to insurance coverage for autism testing.)
- When and how will we receive the written report?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my pediatrician do the ADOS test?
Usually not in the primary care office. Pediatricians screen for autism (the AAP recommends screening at 18 and 24 months) and refer for diagnostic evaluation, which is typically performed by a specialist trained in the ADOS-2 or comparable instruments.
Do I need an ADOS to get an autism diagnosis?
No single instrument is required in all settings. A diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician through a comprehensive evaluation; the ADOS-2 is a common component, but clinicians may use other established instruments and newer FDA-cleared tools as part of the evaluation.
How long is the wait for an autism evaluation?
It varies widely by region and setting — from weeks at some clinics to many months at high-demand centers. Waitlisting at multiple sites and asking about cancellation lists can shorten the path.
Is an ADOS evaluation covered by insurance?
Diagnostic evaluations are commonly covered when medically indicated, but requirements (referrals, in-network specialists, prior authorization) vary by plan. Call your plan and ask specifically about developmental or autism diagnostic evaluation.
What ages can be evaluated?
Autism can be reliably evaluated in toddlerhood. Different instruments cover different age ranges — the ADOS-2 has modules spanning from toddlers through adults, and the EarliPoint System is FDA-cleared for children 16 to 95 months old who are at risk.
