How to Get an Autism Diagnosis in Delaware
State Regulation & Policy Notice
Rules change by state and year. Last verified April 23, 2026. Confirm eligibility, waitlists, and current application procedures with the linked state department or regional agency.
Quick Answer
A complete guide to autism evaluations in Delaware, covering Child Development Watch early intervention, DDDS Medicaid waivers, DE's insurance mandate, and Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.
- Last updated April 23, 2026.
- Primary topic: how to get autism diagnosis in Delaware.
About this information
This educational guide is published by AutismHearts. It has not been independently clinically reviewed. Confirm important medical, legal, benefits, and education decisions with qualified professionals or official agencies.
Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you're looking for how to get an autism diagnosis in Delaware, you have an exceptional resource right in the state — Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington is one of the top-ranked children's hospitals in the country. Delaware also benefits from proximity to Philadelphia (CHOP is ~30 minutes from Wilmington) and has a comprehensive state developmental disabilities system through DDDS.
How to Get an Autism Diagnosis in Delaware: Your First Steps
Start with your child's pediatrician and request a referral. At the same time, contact Delaware's Child Development Watch (CDW) if your child is under age 3. CDW is Delaware's Early Intervention program. Call 1-302-255-9134 to start. Free evaluations; no diagnosis required.
For children age 3 and older, contact your local school district. Delaware districts must evaluate within 45 school days of a written request at no cost.
Search diagnostic providers in Delaware →
Choosing an Evaluation Center in Delaware
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children (Wilmington): Consistently top-ranked children's hospital; the Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health offers comprehensive autism evaluations. 9–15 month waits. Exceptional quality.
- ChristianaCare (Newark/Wilmington): Large regional health system; developmental-behavioral pediatrics program. Good Medicaid access.
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP, Philadelphia): A 30-minute drive from Wilmington; many Delaware families use CHOP's nationally ranked autism program.
- Beebe Healthcare (Lewes/Georgetown): Southern Delaware option; limited developmental pediatrics.
- Private Practice Psychologists: Concentrated in the Wilmington/Newark area; typical waits of 2–4 months.
Delaware-Specific Programs and Rights
Child Development Watch (CDW) — Ages 0–3: Call 1-302-255-9134. Free evaluations and services; no diagnosis required.
School District Evaluation — Ages 3–21: 45 school days to complete at no cost.
Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) — All Ages Delaware DDDS provides Medicaid HCBS:
- DDDS Medicaid Waiver: Residential supports, day programs, supported employment, and respite care.
- Pathways to Employment: Supported employment and job coaching for adults with DD.
- Family Support Services: Respite and family training.
Contact Delaware DDDS at 302-255-9675 to apply.
Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) — Age 14+: Job coaching and career support.
Delaware Autism Insurance Mandate: DE's mandate (2009) requires state-regulated health plans to cover autism treatment including ABA. Self-funded employer ERISA plans may be exempt.