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<title>Autism Testing in Wichita, KS: Child Autism Evaluation and Assessment Options, Wait Times, the New KanCare Rule | Then In-Home ABA Therapy in Kansas | Achieving Stars Therapy</title>
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<div class=gx><div class="hero hp"><input type=checkbox id=hpp class=hp-chk aria-label="Pause the hero photos"><label for=hpp class=hp-pause></label><div class=hp-reel aria-hidden=true><img class=s1 src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3ce7d5ea7d930ca058c7a_wichita-h1-1400.webp" srcset="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3ce83d9050dcc39685090_wichita-h1-700.webp 700w,https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3ce7d5ea7d930ca058c7a_wichita-h1-1400.webp 1400w" sizes=100vw alt="" fetchpriority=high><img class=s2 src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3ce87c60e88be79be59f2_wichita-h2-1400.webp" srcset="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3ce925ea7d930ca05985d_wichita-h2-700.webp 700w,https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3ce87c60e88be79be59f2_wichita-h2-1400.webp 1400w" sizes=100vw alt="" loading=lazy><img class=s3 src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3cf09fd1271510022b707_wichita-h3-1400.webp" srcset="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3cf21ab5e67ab9b1a7671_wichita-h3-700.webp 700w,https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3cf09fd1271510022b707_wichita-h3-1400.webp 1400w" sizes=100vw alt="" loading=lazy></div><div class=hero-inner><span class=location-badge>Wichita, Kansas</span><h1>Autism Testing in Wichita, KS: Where to Go and How Long the Wait Is</h1><p>Two Wichita clinics diagnose autism in kids. Under 3? Start free with Rainbows United.</p></div></div>
<div class=quick-info><div class=info-item><div class=info-label>Under 3, Free</div><div class=info-value>Rainbows United</div></div><div class=info-item><div class=info-label>Ages 0 to 5, Free</div><div class=info-value>Connecting Point screening</div></div><div class=info-item><div class=info-label>Diagnosis in Wichita</div><div class=info-value>WSU clinic, The Therapy Center</div></div><div class=info-item><div class=info-label>Out of Town</div><div class=info-value>KU in Kansas City, Children's Mercy</div></div><div class=info-item><div class=info-label>Wait</div><div class=info-value>Weeks to a year, parents say</div></div><div class=info-item><div class=info-label>KanCare, Nov 1</div><div class=info-value>Ask who signs</div></div></div>
<div class=content>
<section><p>Getting a child tested for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Wichita is mostly waiting. One parent asked on r/kansascity in March 2026: "We are looking at having our child evaluated for Autism. Can anyone share their experiences with providers?" Replies ranged from three weeks to a full year. No clinic here posts its wait. So every option below was checked on its own website, and the waits come from parents.</p>
<div class=highlight-box><p><strong>The short version.</strong> Ask your pediatrician for a referral. Then get on two waitlists, same week. Under 3? Call Rainbows United at 316.945.7117 ext. 134 today; no diagnosis needed. On KanCare? Ask each clinic who signs the diagnosis. From November 1, 2026 that has to be a doctoral psychologist or a qualified physician.</p></div></section>
<nav class=toc><b>On this page</b><ol><li><a href=#where>Where to get tested</a></li><li><a href=#free>Free routes under 5</a></li><li><a href=#wait>How long the wait is</a></li><li><a href=#kancare>The KanCare rule</a></li><li><a href=#steps>Step by step</a></li><li><a href=#eval>What happens at the evaluation</a></li><li><a href=#after>After the diagnosis</a></li><li><a href=#faq>FAQ</a></li></ol></nav>
<section id=where><h2>Where to get autism testing services for children in Wichita, KS</h2>
<p>A licensed specialist who works with children does the autism assessment. Usually that is a psychologist or a developmental pediatrician. Each site below was read on October 17, 2026. "Not stated" means the site is silent. It does not mean no.</p>
<style>@media (max-width:600px){.t-wi td:nth-child(1)::before{content:""}.t-wi td:nth-child(2)::before{content:"What its site says"}.t-wi td:nth-child(3)::before{content:"Who signs"}.t-wi td:nth-child(4)::before{content:"Phone"}}</style><div class="table-wrap stack t-wi"><table>
<tr><th>Where</th><th>What its site says</th><th>Who signs, as printed</th><th>Phone</th></tr>
<tr><td>WSU Psychology Clinic, ASPIRE program, Jabara Hall</td><td>"Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations" for ages 1 to 26, using the ADOS-2. Sliding fee scale, waitlist.</td><td>Doctoral student clinicians supervised by "Kansas-licensed psychologists"</td><td>(316) 978-3212</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Therapy Center, east and west sides of the city</td><td>A mental health practice. Psychological testing "to assess for intellectual developmental disabilities, autism, ADHD."</td><td>The therapist named for autism testing is a licensed clinical psychotherapist. Licensed psychologists also practice there.</td><td>(316) 636-1188 east, (316) 221-2661 west</td></tr>
<tr><td>WSU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, autism team</td><td>A training team that serves a small number of young children each year, with a KU Wichita developmental pediatrician as partner.</td><td>Not stated</td><td>316-978-3289</td></tr>
<tr><td>KU School of Medicine-Wichita, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics</td><td>The division page does not mention autism evaluations.</td><td>Not stated</td><td>316-962-2080</td></tr>
<tr><td>Wesley Care Physicians</td><td>KU's autism site says Wichita residents "can contact Wesley Care Physicians for autism evaluations." Wesley's own page could not be checked.</td><td>Not checked</td><td>Not checked</td></tr>
<tr><td>Children's Mercy Wichita, N. Greenwich Rd</td><td>Lists a Behavioral Health Clinic. Autism evaluation not mentioned.</td><td>Not stated</td><td>(316) 500-8900</td></tr>
<tr><td>Heartspring Pediatric Clinic</td><td>Lists therapies, including ABA. Autism evaluation not mentioned.</td><td>Not stated</td><td>316-634-8701</td></tr>
</table></div>
<p>Further out, Kansas City has two big programs. KU's Center for Child Health and Development wants a doctor's referral first: "a physician referral and records are required" (913-588-1227). Its team includes developmental pediatricians. Children's Mercy, on the Missouri side, sees "children ages 1 to 17." Parents can call intake directly at (816) 234-3674.</p>
<p>One Johnson County practice, Autism From The Start, is faster on paper. Its site says evaluations are "typically completed within 1 to 2 weeks," and "you do not need a doctor’s referral to begin." Testing is "led by a licensed pediatric psychologist." It takes Kansas Medicaid and offers virtual visits. Worth a call to ask if that covers Wichita families.</p></section>
<figure class=pb><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3cf3177303d78cdb6291e_wichita-b1-1400.webp" srcset="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3cf5217a64da0084b27e4_wichita-b1-700.webp 700w,https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3cf3177303d78cdb6291e_wichita-b1-1400.webp 1400w" sizes="(max-width:800px) 100vw,800px" alt="Wichita at night, a lit university tower seen from above" loading=lazy width=1400 height=700><figcaption>Stock photo of Wichita. Several of the options above are university clinics, and they keep waitlists.</figcaption></figure>
<section id=free><h2>Free routes for children under 5: early signs of autism, screening and early intervention</h2>
<p>You do not need a diagnosis to get help started. For children under 3, Rainbows United runs Kansas early intervention (tiny-k) for Sedgwick County. In its words: "Contact Rainbows United Infant Toddler Services for a free developmental evaluation at: 316.945.7117 extension 134." It offers "17 early intervention services, depending on your specific needs, at no cost to families."</p>
<p>For children from birth to 5, Connecting Point gives free screenings: "A screening is a quick look at how a child is doing developmentally." Call 316.267.3535. Wichita Public Schools also offers Early Childhood Special Education "for children ages three through five" with developmental delays.</p>
<p>One catch. A developmental evaluation or a school eligibility is not the same as a medical autism diagnosis. Insurance, and KanCare in particular, wants the medical one before it pays for ABA therapy.</p></section>
<section id=wait><h2>How long is the wait for autism testing in Wichita?</h2>
<p>No local provider publishes a wait time. Children's Mercy in Kansas City is the only program that puts it in writing: "anywhere from several weeks to several months." Here is what parents have reported online, clearly not a measured study:</p>
<div class=bars>
<div class=bar-label>KU, a child barely 2 (r/kansascity)</div><div class=bar-track><div class=bar-fill style=width:4%>3 weeks</div></div>
<div class=bar-label>Children's Therapy Services, Kansas City (r/kansascity)</div><div class=bar-track><div class=bar-fill style=width:8%>8 weeks</div></div>
<div class=bar-label>Children's Mercy (r/kansascity)</div><div class=bar-track><div class=bar-fill style=width:17%>4 months</div></div>
<div class=bar-label>The Therapy Center, Wichita (r/wichita, about 2 years ago)</div><div class=bar-track><div class=bar-fill style=width:33%>8 months</div></div>
<div class=bar-label>Children's Mercy, another family (r/kansascity)</div><div class=bar-track><div class=bar-fill style=width:50%>1 year</div></div>
<div class=bar-label>One Wichita-area parent on local TV (KSN)</div><div class=bar-track><div class=bar-fill style=width:100%>2 years</div></div>
</div>
<p class=note>Parent-reported waits collected by Achieving Stars Therapy from public posts, read October 17, 2026. Single experiences, different ages and years. Your wait may differ.</p>
<p>The spread tells you what to do. Waits depend on the clinic, the year and your child's age, so one list is a gamble. Get on two lists the same week.</p></section>
<figure class=ig><picture><source media="(max-width:640px)" srcset="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad497b7a38ce989712a7667_ig-wichita-routes-m.png"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad497b53072eb8df8d5ea76_ig-wichita-routes-d.png" alt="Routes to autism testing for Wichita families. Under 3: Rainbows United free developmental evaluation, 316.945.7117 ext. 134. Birth to 5: Connecting Point free screening, 316.267.3535. Diagnosis in Wichita: WSU Psychology Clinic ASPIRE (316) 978-3212 and The Therapy Center. Out of town: KU Center for Child Health and Development 913-588-1227 with a physician referral, Children's Mercy Kansas City (816) 234-3674. On KanCare from November 1, 2026: ask who signs." loading=lazy></picture><figcaption>Achieving Stars Therapy graphic. Phone numbers from each organization's own website, read October 17, 2026.</figcaption></figure>
<section id=kancare><h2>The new KanCare rule: what license the diagnostic specialist needs</h2>
<p>From November 1, 2026, KanCare will want an autism diagnosis for members 20 and under to come from "a Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) clinical psychologist or qualified physician." The physicians it lists include developmental and behavioral pediatricians, psychiatrists, neurologists, and primary care doctors with documented autism training.</p>
<p>That matters here because license titles vary inside the same practice. A licensed psychologist (LP) holds a doctorate. A licensed clinical psychotherapist (LCP) and a licensed master's level psychologist (LMLP) do not, and they are not named on KanCare's list. So when you book, ask one question: <strong>"Who will sign my child's diagnosis, and what is their licence?"</strong></p>
<p>Children already approved and in ABA get two years to have a qualified clinician confirm the diagnosis. Everyone else needs a qualifying diagnosis from the start.</p></section>
<section id=steps><h2>The evaluation process, step by step: from referral to report</h2>
<ol class=steps>
<li><strong>Talk to your pediatrician.</strong> Ask for a developmental screening and a written referral. KU's Center for Child Health and Development requires one, and others may ask.</li>
<li><strong>Under 3? Call Rainbows United the same day.</strong> Early intervention can start before any diagnosis.</li>
<li><strong>Get on two waitlists.</strong> For example, the WSU Psychology Clinic and a private practice, or a local option plus KU.</li>
<li><strong>Ask the KanCare question.</strong> Who signs, what licence, and do you bill KanCare? Write the answers down.</li>
<li><strong>Gather your papers.</strong> School testing, early intervention reports and your notes on behavior help the evaluator. A school cognitive test "may also be included" under the KanCare rule.</li>
<li><strong>Call for cancellations.</strong> Ask each clinic if you can be on a short-notice list.</li>
</ol></section>
<section id=eval><h2>What happens at a child autism assessment?</h2>
<p>Expect a parent interview about development, social skills and daily life, then in-person time with your child. The WSU clinic describes using "empirically supported tools" including "the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition)." The ADOS-2 is a structured observation of play and social communication, set up so the clinician can see how your child connects, communicates and plays.</p>
<p>The report should name the diagnostic criteria and a severity level. Those two items, plus a validated tool like the ADOS, are what the new KanCare rule asks for.</p></section>
<figure class=pb><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3cf6a17a64da0084b2ad3_wichita-b2-1400.webp" srcset="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3cf855fe50311deb36dd0_wichita-b2-700.webp 700w,https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65f21a701f9e963fc14601d3/6ad3cf6a17a64da0084b2ad3_wichita-b2-1400.webp 1400w" sizes="(max-width:800px) 100vw,800px" alt="A mother and young son draw together at a table" loading=lazy width=1400 height=700><figcaption>Stock photo. Bring school reports, early intervention notes and your own observations to the evaluation.</figcaption></figure>
<section id=after><h2>After the diagnosis: starting ABA therapy in Kansas</h2>
<p>A diagnosis opens the door to ABA therapy for children with autism through KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) or private insurance. Achieving Stars Therapy does not diagnose autism. It provides BCBA-led <a href="https://www.achievingstarstherapy.com/location/city/aba-therapy-wichita-ks">in-home ABA therapy in Wichita</a> for children 18 months to 15 years, and accepts KanCare and most commercial insurance.</p>
<p>Sessions are play-based and happen at home, between 8am and 8pm, with parent training built in, so there is no drive to a center. The team checks your benefits for free before the first session. Families elsewhere in the state can start the same way through the <a href="https://www.achievingstarstherapy.com/location/states/aba-therapy-kansas">Kansas in-home ABA page</a>.</p></section>
<section id=faq><h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<details class=acc><summary>How do I get my child tested for autism in Wichita?</summary><div><p>Start with your pediatrician for a screening and referral. Then call the WSU Psychology Clinic (316) 978-3212 or a private practice that tests children, and consider KU's Center for Child Health and Development in Kansas City. Under 3, call Rainbows United for free early intervention.</p></div>
</details>
<details class=acc><summary>How long is the autism testing wait?</summary><div><p>No local clinic publishes a number. Parents report anywhere from a few weeks to a year or more, depending on the clinic and the child's age. Children's Mercy says its wait can be "several weeks to several months."</p></div></details>
<details class=acc><summary>Does KanCare pay for autism testing?</summary><div><p>Ask each clinic whether it bills KanCare. None of the in-town sites checked for this guide said so on the page. From November 1, 2026, make sure the clinician who signs is a doctoral psychologist or a listed physician.</p></div></details>
<details class=acc><summary>Does Heartspring do autism evaluations?</summary><div><p>Heartspring's pediatric clinic page lists therapies such as speech, occupational therapy and ABA. It does not mention autism evaluations, so call to ask.</p></div></details>
<details class=acc><summary>Does a school evaluation count as a diagnosis?</summary><div><p>A school team decides special education eligibility. School teams are not on KanCare's list of who can diagnose autism, so you will still need a medical diagnosis for ABA through KanCare.</p></div></details>
<details class=acc><summary>Can ABA start before the diagnosis?</summary><div><p>Insurance needs the diagnosis first. Early intervention through Rainbows United can start before it for children under 3.</p></div></details>
</section>
<section><h2>Sources</h2><ol class=src>
<li><a href="https://www.wichita.edu/academics/fairmount_las/psychology/labs/clinic/autism-services.php" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>WSU Psychology Clinic, ASPIRE autism services</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.therapycenterwichita.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>The Therapy Center, Wichita</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.wichita.edu/academics/health_professions/slhclinic/speechlanguage/aidt.php" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>WSU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, autism team</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/campuses/wichita/patient-care/affiliate-ku-wichita-clinics/pediatrics/developmental-and-behavioral-pediatrics.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>KU Wichita, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics</a></li>
<li><a href="https://autism.ku.edu/autism-resources-and-information" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>KU autism resources</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/Pediatrics-care/services/cchd" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>KU Center for Child Health and Development</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.childrensmercy.org/departments-and-clinics/developmental-and-behavioral-health/autism-clinic/" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>Children's Mercy Autism Clinic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.childrensmercy.org/locations/childrens-mercy-wichita/" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>Children's Mercy Wichita</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.heartspring.org/pediatric-clinic/" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>Heartspring Pediatric Clinic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://rainbowsunited.org/services/early-intervention/" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>Rainbows United, early intervention</a></li>
<li><a href="https://rainbowsunited.org/services/connecting-point/" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>Connecting Point screenings</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.usd259.org/student-support-services/special-ed-early-childhood" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>Wichita Public Schools, Early Childhood Special Education</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sunflowerhealthplan.com/newsroom/kmap-26140.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>KMAP Bulletin 26140, Sunflower Health Plan copy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.autismfromthestart.com/testing-services-new" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>Autism From The Start, testing services</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/kansascity/comments/1rirdvo/recommendations_for_autism_evaluation/" rel="nofollow noopener" target=_blank>r/kansascity, autism evaluation recommendations</a></li>
</ol></section>
<p class=disclaimer>Sources read October 17, 2026. Clinics change services and waitlists often, so call before you rely on anything here. General information, not medical advice.</p>
<div class=cta-section>
<h2>Diagnosis in Hand? Start In-Home ABA in Wichita</h2>
<p>Free benefits check. BCBA-led, in-home, KanCare accepted.</p>
<a href="https://www.achievingstarstherapy.com/contact" class=cta-button>Check Your Coverage</a>
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<div class=cta-item><div class=cta-item-label>Call</div><div class=cta-item-value><a href=tel:8336663115>(833) 666-3115</a></div></div>
<div class=cta-item><div class=cta-item-label>Email</div><div class=cta-item-value><a href="mailto:info@achievingstarstherapy.com">info@achievingstarstherapy.com</a></div></div>
<div class=cta-item><div class=cta-item-label>Ages</div><div class=cta-item-value>18 months to 15 years</div></div>
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