Waiting months for an autism evaluation is hard on any family. Sunny Skies ABA offers diagnostic evaluations for children who do not yet have a diagnosis, so you can get answers and start support sooner.
An autism evaluation is a structured assessment that answers one central question: does your child meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder? It combines a detailed developmental history from you, direct observation of your child, and standardized assessment measures. The result is a clear written report that explains what was found and what it means for your child.
A formal diagnosis matters for practical reasons as well as clinical ones. In North Carolina, a documented autism diagnosis is what unlocks insurance coverage for ABA therapy, opens the door to school-based supports and an IEP, and gives every professional working with your child a shared starting point.
Many families tell us the hardest part is not the evaluation itself. It is the waiting. Appointments for autism assessments in North Carolina are often booked months out, and Medicaid families frequently wait the longest. That delay costs children some of the most valuable months of early intervention.
You do not need a diagnosis to contact us. If you have concerns about your child's development and are not sure where to begin, that is exactly the point at which we can help. Our team can either conduct the diagnostic evaluation in-house or refer you to a trusted local diagnostician, whichever gets your family answers faster.
Parents are usually the first to notice that something feels different. You do not need to be certain, and you do not need to wait for a teacher or doctor to raise it first. An evaluation is worth considering if you notice signs like these.
None of these signs on their own mean a child is autistic. Together, they are a good reason to get a professional opinion rather than wait and wonder.
A thorough evaluation looks at your child from several angles, because no single test can identify autism on its own. Depending on your child's age and needs, the assessment may include:
A detailed developmental history covering milestones, communication, play, behavior, and daily routines.
Structured and play-based interaction with your child to observe communication, social response, and behavior.
Evidence-based assessment tools appropriate to your child's age and profile, chosen by the evaluating professional.
A look at everyday skills such as self-care, communication, and independence compared with same-age peers.
With your permission, we gather relevant input from teachers, pediatricians, or other providers involved in your child's care.
A clear report with findings and recommendations that you can use with insurance, your school district, and other providers.
We keep the path from first phone call to first therapy session as short and as clear as we can.
Call (919) 502-1112 or send us your details through our contact form. Share your concerns and your child's age. There is no cost for this conversation and no obligation.
Our intake team verifies your insurance or Medicaid benefits at no cost and explains in plain language what is covered before anything is scheduled.
We schedule the assessment as soon as availability allows and tell you honestly what the current timeline looks like. If another provider can see your child sooner, we will say so.
We walk you through the findings in person, give you the written report, and explain your options. If ABA therapy is recommended, we can begin the authorization process right away.
Cost should not be the reason a child goes without answers. Diagnostic evaluations are covered by many North Carolina health plans, and children covered by NC Medicaid are generally entitled to medically necessary assessment and treatment services under EPSDT.
We work with families on NC Medicaid Direct, Medicaid Standard Plans, Tailored Plans, and a range of commercial plans. Before anything is scheduled, our team verifies your specific benefits and tells you exactly what to expect, in writing.
You can see the full list of plans we work with on our insurance page, or read more about how we help families navigate coverage in our insurance support service.
A diagnosis is not an ending. For most families it is the moment the path forward finally becomes clear.
If your child is diagnosed with autism and ABA therapy is recommended, you are already with a provider who can start. There is no second waiting list, no new intake process, and no need to repeat your family's story to another organization. Our BCBAs build an individualized treatment plan and we handle the insurance authorization on your behalf.
Therapy is delivered where your child actually lives and learns: at home, in school, in the community, and through telehealth when that fits your family better. If your child is not diagnosed with autism, the report still has value. It documents what was assessed, what was ruled out, and what supports may help.
Explore what comes next: early learning, ready for school, teen and young adult services, and parent guidance.
We support families with evaluations and ABA therapy in communities across the state:
No diagnosis needed. No cost to ask. Free benefits check before anything is scheduled.
Request an Evaluation