How to Get an Autism Diagnosis in Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts, you have access to some of the world's best medical institutions — including Boston Children's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the LADDERS clinic — alongside a robust state system through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Massachusetts also has one of the strongest autism insurance mandates in the country with no dollar caps and no age limits for ABA coverage.

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

Start with your child's pediatrician. Bring specific written observations of concerns and request a referral to a developmental pediatrician or licensed psychologist for a comprehensive evaluation.

At the same time, contact the Massachusetts Early Intervention (EI) program if your child is under age 3. Massachusetts EI is delivered through a statewide network of private nonprofit providers. Call 1-800-905-8437 to locate your nearest EI program. Evaluations are free; no autism diagnosis required. Services begin within 30 days of the IFSP.

For children age 3 and older, contact your school district. Massachusetts school districts must evaluate within 30 school days of a written request at no cost.

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Choosing an Evaluation Center in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has among the most concentrated collections of world-class pediatric programs in the country.

Boston / Greater Boston

• Boston Children's Hospital (Boston): Consistently ranked the #1 children's hospital in the country; their Developmental Medicine Center and Autism Spectrum Center are exceptional. Expect 12–20 month waits for new autism diagnostic evaluations. Worth getting on the list.
• Massachusetts General Hospital — LADDERS Clinic (Lexington): LADDERS (Learning and Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Rehabilitation Services) at MGH is one of the most respected autism evaluation programs in New England. 10–15 month waits.
• Tufts Medical Center / Floating Hospital for Children (Boston): Strong developmental-behavioral program; 9–14 month waits; good Medicaid access.
• UMass Memorial Medical Center (Worcester): Key resource for Central Massachusetts families; developmental pediatrics.
• Baystate Children's Hospital (Springfield): Serves Western Massachusetts; 6–12 month waits.

Private Practice Psychologists and Neuropsychologists Massachusetts has an outstanding network of licensed psychologists and neuropsychologists, especially in the Boston metro area and along Route 128. Typical waits of 2–5 months. Often significantly faster than hospital programs.

Getting on multiple lists at once is strongly recommended.

Massachusetts-Specific Programs and Rights (Apply Immediately)

Early Intervention — Ages 0–3 Massachusetts EI provides free evaluations and services for children under 3 with developmental delays. Call 1-800-905-8437. No autism diagnosis required. Service coordinators help develop the IFSP.

School District Evaluation — Ages 3–22 Massachusetts serves eligible students through age 22 (longer than most states). Submit a written evaluation request; the district has 30 school days to complete it at no cost. IEP rights apply.

Department of Developmental Services (DDS) — All Ages Massachusetts DDS provides services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. Programs include:

• Adult Supports: Day programs, supported employment, shared living, and group home residential services.
• Family Support Services: Respite care, family training, and emergency supports.
• Adult Autism Waiver (AAW): Massachusetts has an autism-specific waiver for adults with autism who do not have an intellectual disability — similar to Pennsylvania's AAW. Covers supported employment, life skills coaching, and behavioral supports.
• Individual Supports and Community Habilitation: Flexible community-based supports.

Contact your local DDS Area Office to apply. Massachusetts DDS Area Offices are organized regionally. Waitlists for some adult services can be long — apply as early as possible.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) — Age 18+ MRC provides vocational rehabilitation for adults with disabilities, including job coaching, education funding, and career planning.

Massachusetts Autism Insurance Mandate Massachusetts' autism insurance mandate (Chapter 229 of the Acts of 2010) is one of the strongest in the country. It requires all state-regulated health insurance plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, including Applied Behavior Analysis, with no annual or lifetime dollar caps and no age limits. This means ABA coverage continues through adulthood, not just childhood. Self-funded employer ERISA plans may be exempt — check your plan documents.

Autism Speaks Resource Guide / Autism Alliance of Massachusetts The Autism Alliance of Massachusetts and local autism nonprofits maintain resource directories and helplines that can connect families to evaluators, service providers, and advocacy support statewide.

What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation in Massachusetts

A comprehensive evaluation includes parent interview, cognitive testing, adaptive behavior assessment (Vineland-3), ADOS-2 and/or ADI-R, direct observation, and a written report (2–6 weeks after testing).

Once you have the report, bring it to your DDS Area Office, school district, insurance company, and therapy providers.

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