Seattle Children's Autism Center

Seattle Children’s referral-based Autism Center offers initial diagnostic evaluation, care navigation, selected services and family classes in Washington.

Seattle Children’s Autism Center provides initial autism diagnostic evaluations and referral-based care for children, teens and young adults. Services vary by program and can include ATLAS care navigation, selected behavioral and psychiatric services, feeding support, family education and transition guidance. Initial diagnostic evaluations are for ages 15 months through 21; other services have their own age and eligibility rules. Most clinical services require a primary-care referral. Families should call 206-987-8080 after referral submission to confirm receipt and ask for the current service-specific wait. Many services have long waits, but the time varies; a 2026 hospital dashboard reported a 260-day median for the Autism Center, not a guaranteed individual timeline.

Eligibility

Eligibility varies by service. Initial diagnostic evaluations are for ages 15 months through 21 and are for an initial evaluation, not a re-evaluation or second opinion. A prior diagnosis can be from any Washington Center of Excellence for access to other Autism Center services. Some subprograms have narrower age, insurance or clinical criteria.

How to apply

Ask your child’s primary-care provider to send a referral identifying an initial evaluation, general autism care or the specific service needed. New families should call 206-987-8080 after submission to confirm referral receipt and required information. General autism-care referrals after a diagnosis begin with ATLAS; service-specific referrals may require extra forms.

At a glance

Funding type: insurance
Services: Diagnosis, Care Navigation, ABA, Psychiatry, Feeding Support, Parent Education, Transition Support
Cost notes: Medical and mental-health coverage varies by plan. Confirm benefits and authorization with your insurer. Some classes are not covered by insurance; Medicaid and Seattle Children’s financial assistance may help eligible families. Costs are not guaranteed.

Source and verification

Last source check: August 6, 2026

Check the current program details at the cited source. Eligibility, funding, availability, fees, and application steps can change.

Open the official application or registration page

Find services near you

Browse all autism programs and funding · Report incorrect or outdated program information