Noticing that your child is developing differently from other kids their age can leave you with a lot of questions. Your toddler might not be using many words yet, or a preschool teacher may have mentioned something at pickup.
For most families, the next step is an autism evaluation. Finding one can feel like a big task when you don’t know who does them or how to get an appointment.
Omaha families have several good options close to home, and each one works a little differently.
In this article, we’ll discuss where to get an autism evaluation in Omaha and what to expect along the way.
Key Takeaways
- Omaha families can pursue autism evaluations through Children’s Nebraska or qualified independent specialists.
- Children under 3 can receive free developmental evaluations through Nebraska’s Early Development Network.
- Public schools provide free educational evaluations for children ages 3 and older, but these are different from medical autism diagnoses.
- Early intervention and speech therapy may begin before a formal autism diagnosis.
Who Can Diagnose Autism in Omaha?
Your child’s pediatrician is usually the best place to start. They can do a quick developmental screening at a regular checkup and talk through what you’ve been seeing at home.1
A screening is a short first look. If it points toward autism spectrum disorder (ASD), your pediatrician will refer you to a specialist for a full evaluation.1
Those specialists are often developmental pediatricians or child psychologists. Many Omaha clinics bring several experts together so your child can be seen by a whole team in one visit.2
Most of these clinics need a referral from your child’s doctor before they can schedule you, so ask for one as soon as concerns come up.
Where Can Omaha Families Get an Autism Evaluation?
The right route for your family depends mostly on your child’s age and what your insurance covers.
The Autism Diagnostic Clinic at Children’s Nebraska is the best-known option in the city. It’s in the Cass West building at 8552 Cass Street. Developmental pediatricians and behavioral health specialists work together there, and a speech therapist is part of the team. Once your child’s doctor sends a referral, the clinic mails you a packet of questionnaires to complete before your visit.34
Independent specialists are another route. Some child psychologists and developmental pediatricians in the Omaha area offer autism testing through their own practices. Your pediatrician can suggest names, and your insurance company can tell you who is in your network.2
When you call, ask whether they use a standardized test such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, which many insurance plans want to see in the final report.5
If you’re unsure which route fits your family, call our Omaha team at Blue Gems ABA. The diagnosis itself comes from the specialists listed here, and we’re glad to walk you through the next steps before your child has one.
| Where to Go | What They Offer | How to Get Started |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Gems ABA Omaha center | Guidance on next steps before a diagnosis, then ABA therapy with no waitlist once you have one | Call (402) 807-7447 or contact us |
| Children’s Nebraska Autism Diagnostic Clinic | Team evaluation with developmental pediatrics, behavioral health and speech specialists | Referral from your child’s doctor |
| Independent child psychologist or developmental pediatrician | Diagnostic testing through a private practice | Ask your pediatrician or insurance company for names |
| Early Development Network | Free developmental evaluation for children under 3 | Request one yourself through your school district |
| Your public school district | Free educational evaluation for children 3 and older | Contact the district’s special education office |
If your child is younger than 3, Nebraska’s Early Development Network offers free developmental evaluations through Omaha-area school districts. You can request one yourself without a doctor’s referral.67
Children 3 and older can be evaluated by their public school district at no cost. A team from the school looks at how your child learns and communicates, and you’re a member of that team.89
Keep in mind that a school evaluation determines whether your child qualifies for services through the district. Most insurance plans ask for a medical diagnosis from a doctor or psychologist before they’ll cover applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy), so many families pursue both at the same time.8
What Happens During an Autism Evaluation?
Before the appointment, you’ll fill out forms about your child’s health history and the milestones they’ve reached. Jotting down specific examples of what you’ve noticed at home will make those forms much easier.10
On the day of the visit, plan to be there for a few hours. The team will ask you questions, then spend time playing and talking with your child to see how they communicate and respond.513
A parent or caregiver stays with your child the whole time. Bringing a favorite snack or toy can help them settle in.
You’ll usually get a written report within a few weeks. It explains what the team found and recommends next steps, which often include ABA therapy.
How Long is the Wait for an Evaluation in Omaha?
Waiting is the hardest part for many parents. Autism specialists in Nebraska have estimated that hundreds of Nebraska families are on waitlists for an autism diagnosis.
Two steps can keep things moving. Ask your pediatrician to send referrals to more than one provider, and tell each office you’re happy to take a cancellation spot.
You can also use the waiting period to get support in place. Speech therapy and early intervention services can both begin before a diagnosis is in hand.111214
Once the report arrives, therapy doesn’t have to mean another long wait. Blue Gems ABA has no waitlist for ABA therapy in Nebraska, and our insurance specialists contact your carrier to confirm your coverage for you.
Blue Gems ABA Supports Omaha Families After an Autism Diagnosis
Getting an evaluation is the first step toward understanding your child and finding support that fits them. Omaha families have trusted places to turn, and a little preparation makes the process easier.
At Blue Gems ABA, our team of experienced therapists works with children on the autism spectrum at our Omaha center on West Center Road, as well as in homes and schools across the area. Once your child has a diagnosis, we’ll help you sort out insurance and build a treatment plan around their strengths and needs.
To learn more, please contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I get my child tested for autism in Omaha?
Children’s Nebraska Autism Diagnostic Clinic and qualified independent child psychologists or developmental pediatricians offer autism evaluations in the Omaha area. Your child’s pediatrician can help you find a provider and obtain a referral.
2. Does my child need a referral for an autism evaluation?
Children’s Nebraska Autism Diagnostic Clinic requires a referral from your child’s healthcare provider. Independent specialists may have different requirements, while Nebraska’s Early Development Network accepts referrals directly from families.
3. Are autism evaluations free in Omaha?
Nebraska’s Early Development Network provides free developmental evaluations for children under 3, and public school districts provide free educational evaluations for eligible children ages 3 and older. Medical autism evaluations may be covered by insurance, depending on your plan.
4. Can my child start therapy before receiving an autism diagnosis?
Yes, children may qualify for early intervention or speech therapy based on developmental needs without a formal autism diagnosis. Insurance coverage for ABA therapy generally requires additional diagnostic documentation.
5. Is a school autism evaluation the same as a medical diagnosis?
No. A school evaluation determines whether a child qualifies for educational services, while a medical evaluation determines whether the child meets clinical diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder.
References
- CDC — Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Diagnosing Autism
- Children’s Nebraska — Autism Diagnostic Clinic
- Children’s Nebraska — Autism Diagnostic Clinic Providers
- CDC — Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Omaha Early Development Network
- Nebraska Early Development Network — Make a Referral
- U.S. Department of Education — IDEA Regulation §300.111: Child Find
- U.S. Department of Education — IDEA Regulation §303.321: Evaluation of the Child and Assessment of the Child and Family
- American Academy of Pediatrics — If Autism Is Suspected, What’s Next?
- CDC — Accessing Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder
- CDC — Why Act Early?
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association — Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Nebraska Early Development Network — Early Intervention Information
