How To Get Quick Autism Assessments in Houston

To get a child assessed for autism or developmental delays in Houston, you can start by speaking to your child’s pediatrician for a referral, contact your child’s school for an evaluation through an ARD meeting, or reach out to trusted community resources like Depelchin or the Harris Center for help.

I’m Nick Bryant, creator or the Houston Case Managers Academy, and a case manager with 13+ years of experience working in social services and mental health. Specifically, I spent time at MHMR Harris, now Harris Center.

As a parent, recognizing potential developmental delays or behavioral differences in your child can be both concerning and confusing.

In this article, I’ll break down the multiple pathways you can take to get your child assessed and supported, including medical, educational, and community-based options—so you’re not left guessing where to turn next.

1.) Talk to Your Child’s Pediatrician for a Referral

The first and often easiest step to begin the assessment process is to ask your pediatrician. Pediatricians are trained to recognize early signs of developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If you have concerns about speech, motor skills, behavior, or social interaction, schedule a visit and bring your observations.

How to do this:

• Ask during a regular check-up or schedule a separate appointment.

• Describe what you’ve noticed (e.g., no words by age 2, avoiding eye contact, repetitive behaviors).

• Request a referral to a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, or a child psychologist for further testing.

Most pediatricians will provide referrals for early intervention evaluations or specialized clinics if needed.

2.) Use the School System: Request an ARD Meeting

If your child is already in a public school (starting with pre-K), you have the right to request an ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meeting. This is the formal process to evaluate your child’s eligibility for special education services, including assessments for:

• Autism

• Speech and language delays

• Occupational or physical therapy needs

• Emotional or behavioral disorders

Steps to Get an ARD Meeting:

1. Submit a written request to the school principal or special education coordinator asking for an evaluation.

2. Once the school receives your request, they have 15 school days to respond.

3. If they agree, the school will start the process for assessments.

4. You’ll be invited to an ARD meeting to discuss results and determine services.

These meetings can be requested annually to review progress, adjust goals, or add new supports. This process is federally protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), so don’t hesitate to advocate for your child.

3.) Contact Depelchin’s Help Me Grow Program

For quicker answers and support without needing to go through a clinic or school, Depelchin Children’s Center offers the Help Me Grow program. You can call and speak to a trained professional who will do a free phone-based developmental screening and either:

• Provide guidance directly

• Refer you to the right agency for further help

This is one of Houston’s best-kept secrets for parents trying to navigate this process.

• Help Me Grow Phone Line: 713-802-7700
• Help Me Grow – Depelchin
• Address: 4950 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
• Refer your child or client directly to Help Me Grow with this referral form.

Depelchin also offers parenting classes and behavioral support, making it a great ongoing resource even if they refer you elsewhere.

4.) Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) for Kids Under 3

If your child is under age 3, the best starting point is Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services, which are offered statewide and locally coordinated through agencies like the Harris Center.

ECI provides:

• Developmental evaluations

• Speech, occupational, and physical therapy

• A care coordinator who can help you manage services and track your child’s development

How to contact them:

• Harris Center ECI Line: 713-970-7000
• Harris Center Website
• Address: 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074

Children identified with developmental delays are connected to a coordinator who helps create a long-term care plan, linking you to therapies, funding sources, and educational supports as your child ages.

5.) Harris Center for Mental Health or ADHD Issues

If your child is struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, or behavioral issues, the Harris Center for Mental Health is one of the primary mental health providers for children in Houston. They mostly provide:

• Psychiatry

• Medication management

• Referrals to therapists and additional services

How to contact them:

• Main Intake Line: 713-970-7000
• The Harris Center
• Main Office: 9401 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074

They also coordinate services for kids in mental health crisis, including voluntary and court-ordered psychiatric support.

6.) Mental Health Crisis or Safety Concerns

If your child expresses suicidal or homicidal thoughts, act immediately.

Emergency Options:

1. Call 911 and request a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) officer trained to work with youth in mental health crises.

2. If safety is a concern but they won’t go voluntarily, you can request a mental health warrant.

• HCPC (Harris County Psychiatric Center): 713-741-6024
• Involuntary Services Info
• Address: 2800 S. MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77021

Voluntary Commitment for Children in Psychiatric Crisis

Voluntary commitment is an appropriate option when your child is in psychiatric crisis—experiencing severe depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or other mental health symptoms—but is willing to receive help and not resisting care. This route avoids the legal process of a mental health warrant and offers quicker access to immediate psychiatric support.

• NeuroPsychiatric Center (NPC)
• 1502 Ben Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030
• Call Harris Center first at 713-970-7000 to coordinate intake.

The NeuroPsychiatric Center is a 24/7 psychiatric emergency facility affiliated with the Harris Center. Children who arrive voluntarily can be evaluated and stabilized by a psychiatric team. If inpatient treatment is needed, they can be transferred to an appropriate mental health facility for further care.

What to Expect:

• An initial screening and psychiatric evaluation

• Possible short-term observation or admission

• Coordination with a social worker to plan follow-up care or discharge

If you are unsure whether your child needs immediate help or if you’re debating between voluntary and involuntary options, calling 713-970-7000 connects you to professionals who can guide you.

7.) Medicaid Case Managers and Texas Health Steps

Once your child has been assessed or received treatment, it’s essential to build a long-term care plan. If your child is covered by Medicaid, you are entitled to case management services to help coordinate:

• Follow-up care (e.g., therapy, psychiatry)

• Transportation assistance

• Referrals to specialists or community programs

How to contact them:

• Medicaid Case Management Line: 877-847-8377
• Texas Health Steps

8.) Private Assessment Options (If Insurance Allows)

If you’re looking for faster services and can afford private care (or have private insurance), Houston is home to several reputable private clinics for autism and developmental evaluations. These may have shorter wait times than publicly funded options and often offer:

• Full psychological evaluations

• Speech and occupational therapy

• ABA therapy for autism

However, private options can cost $1,000–$3,000+ without insurance coverage, so always check benefits with your provider.

Conclusion

To get a child assessed for autism or developmental delays in Houston, you can start with a pediatrician, request a school ARD meeting, or call Depelchin’s Help Me Grow line for fast guidance. For children in crisis, the Harris Center and NeuroPsychiatric Center offer life-saving services.

Taking that first step—making a call, asking for help, or requesting an evaluation—can lead to long-term positive outcomes for your child. No matter where you are in this journey, resources exist to support both your child and your family.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure what step to take next, just comment below and I can help you sort out your options.