How to Get an Autism Diagnosis in Georgia

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 Georgia, the state is home to the Marcus Autism Center — one of the largest and most recognized autism programs in the world — as well as a network of regional diagnostic centers and a state system that spans early intervention through adult services. Georgia families should be aware of one critical fact: the COMP Medicaid waiver waitlist can stretch more than a decade, and applying early is essential.

How to Get an Autism Diagnosis in Georgia: Your First Steps

Start with your child's pediatrician. Bring specific, written observations — speech delays, limited eye contact, repetitive behaviors, social difficulties — and request a referral to a developmental pediatrician or licensed psychologist for a comprehensive autism evaluation.

At the same time, contact Babies Can't Wait (BCW), Georgia's Early Intervention program, immediately if your child is under age 3. BCW evaluations are free and do not require a prior autism diagnosis — developmental delay alone qualifies. Call 1-800-229-2038 to be connected to your regional BCW program. Services are required to begin within 30 days of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) being signed.

For children age 3 and older, contact your local school district. Districts are required to evaluate children suspected of having disabilities at no cost under IDEA Part B.

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Choosing an Evaluation Center in Georgia

Georgia's diagnostic resources are strongest in the Atlanta metro, but regional programs serve families across the state.

Atlanta Metro Area

• Marcus Autism Center / Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Atlanta): One of the largest and most comprehensive autism programs in the United States, affiliated with Emory University School of Medicine. Offers diagnostic evaluations, intensive behavioral intervention, and research. Marcus is world-class, but waitlists for diagnostic evaluations can reach 12–24 months. Get on the list as early as possible.
• Emory University Autism Center (Atlanta): Strong academic program connected to Marcus; research-intensive. 9–15 month typical waits.
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta — Scottish Rite and Egleston campuses: Broad developmental-behavioral pediatrics programs; accept most major insurances including Medicaid.
• Morehouse School of Medicine (Atlanta): Strong focus on underserved communities; Medicaid-friendly; shorter waits than major academic centers.
• Pediatric neurologists and developmental pediatricians in private practice (Atlanta suburbs): Often have 3–6 month waits and are a faster alternative to academic programs.

Outside Atlanta

• Augusta University Medical Center / Children's Hospital of Georgia (Augusta): Primary hub for Central/Eastern Georgia; 6–12 month typical waits.
• Navicent Health / Mercer University (Macon): Serves Central Georgia; developmental-behavioral pediatrics.
• Memorial Health (Savannah): Coastal Georgia option; limited capacity, longer waits.
• Northeast Georgia Medical Center (Gainesville): Serves the Northeast GA region.

Private Practice Psychologists Licensed psychologists throughout Atlanta and the suburbs frequently have waits of 2–5 months and are often the fastest route to a formal diagnosis. Verify they use ADOS-2 and DSM-5 criteria.

Getting on multiple waitlists at once — Marcus Autism Center, a private psychologist, and BCW or the school district — is strongly recommended.

Georgia-Specific Programs and Rights (Apply Immediately)

Babies Can't Wait (BCW) — Ages 0–3 BCW is Georgia's IDEA Part C Early Intervention program. It provides free evaluations and services for children under 3 with developmental delays. No autism diagnosis is required. Call 1-800-229-2038 to start. A service coordinator will help develop your child's IFSP and arrange services including speech therapy, OT, ABA, and more.

School District Evaluations — Ages 3–21 Georgia school districts must evaluate children suspected of having disabilities at no cost. Submit a written request to your district's special education director. The district typically has 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation. If eligible, an IEP is developed. You have the right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at district expense if you disagree with the school's findings.

DBHDD — Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Georgia's DBHDD is the state agency providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities including autism. Medicaid waiver programs include:

• Community Opportunities (COMP) Waiver: The primary long-term supports waiver for adults with developmental disabilities. Covers residential services, day programs, supported employment, respite care, and more. Critical warning: the COMP waiver waitlist is one of the longest in the country — some families wait 10 or more years. Apply for the waitlist immediately, regardless of your child's age or current support needs.
• New Options Waiver (NOW): For individuals with developmental disabilities who need less intensive supports than COMP; covers some community and family supports. Also has a significant waitlist.
• Independent Support Coordination: Helps individuals and families navigate the DBHDD service system.

To apply for DBHDD services and get on the COMP/NOW waitlist, contact your regional DBHDD office or call 1-800-436-7442.

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) — Age 16+ GVRA helps autistic teens and adults prepare for and find competitive employment. Services include job coaching, education funding, career planning, and assistive technology. Apply through the GVRA website or visit a local GVRA office.

Georgia Autism Insurance Mandate Georgia's autism insurance mandate (SB 280, enacted 2011) requires state-regulated health plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, including Applied Behavior Analysis, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Coverage applies to individuals up to age 6 for ABA under the original mandate — though many plans now voluntarily cover ABA to older ages. Check your specific plan. Self-funded employer ERISA plans may not be subject to state law. Review your plan documents or contact your HR department.

Autism Society of Georgia The Autism Society of Georgia provides information, community, and advocacy for families across the state. Their resource directory and helpline can connect you to local evaluators and service providers.

What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation in Georgia

A comprehensive evaluation typically includes:

• Parent/caregiver interview on developmental history, family history, and current concerns
• Standardized cognitive testing (e.g., WISC-V for school-age, Bayley-4 for toddlers)
• Adaptive behavior assessment (e.g., Vineland-3)
• Autism-specific instruments: ADOS-2 and/or ADI-R
• Direct observation in structured and unstructured settings
• A written report with DSM-5 diagnostic conclusions, support-level designation, and service recommendations (2–6 weeks after testing)

Once you have the report, apply for the COMP/NOW waitlist at DBHDD immediately, bring it to your school district's special education team, your insurance company, and any therapy providers you're pursuing.

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