The provided text detailing autism diagnosis in Missouri does not specify a specific timeframe or number of weeks/months it takes to receive an official ASD diagnosis.

However, it does outline the necessary steps and resources involved in the process, which can impact the timeline:

• Initial Screening: The process begins with a developmental screening by a pediatrician or family doctor to determine if a full evaluation is required.
• Evaluation for Children Under 3: Families can access evaluations through Missouri First Steps, the state’s early intervention program.
• Evaluation for Children Over 3: Parents can request an assessment through their local school district or a developmental pediatrician.
• Regional Centers: Diagnosis is typically sought through specialized evaluation centers at major children’s hospitals and behavioral health centers in cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield (e.g., Children’s Mercy, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, or Mercy Springfield).

Because the duration can vary based on the provider’s waitlist and the child’s age, it is recommended to start with a pediatrician’s screening as early as possible to access early intervention services.

• Autism Diagnosis Missouri: 2026 Provider Comparison Guide