finding answers
Where to get an autism evaluation in North Mississippi
How autism is diagnosed in Mississippi, and how early intervention differs from a school evaluation. Includes evaluators in North Mississippi from the state's 2026 Autism Resource Guide.
By the Wild & Free Behavior team · Updated
If you're wondering whether your child has autism, or a doctor or teacher has raised the question, the next step is a developmental evaluation. This guide covers how evaluations work in Mississippi and where families in North Mississippi can look.
Who can diagnose autism
Autism is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, such as a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or psychiatrist. There's no single medical test. Instead, clinicians look at behavior, development, and communication.
Start with your pediatrician
Your child's doctor can screen for developmental concerns and refer you for a full evaluation. While you're there, ask whether your insurance needs a referral for the evaluation, and whether the evaluator you're considering is in network.
Early intervention and school evaluations
Under 3: Mississippi's First Steps Early Intervention Program evaluates a child's development to decide eligibility for early intervention services. That isn't the same as a medical autism diagnosis, but it can get support started while you wait. Call 1-800-451-3903 to make a referral.
3 and older: your school district can evaluate your child for special education services. A school evaluation decides eligibility for school services. Insurance usually needs a medical diagnosis to cover ABA, so a school evaluation on its own often isn't enough for therapy outside school.
Evaluators in North Mississippi
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health's April 2026 Autism Resource Guide (PDF, opens in a new tab) lists these evaluators in North Mississippi. We aren't affiliated with them, and details change, so call ahead to confirm ages, insurance, and wait times.
- Cardinal Clinical Consulting (opens in a new tab), Tupelo. IQ and autism testing. Does not provide ABA. Self-pay or CareCredit.
- Campbell Psychological Services (opens in a new tab), Oxford. IQ and autism testing. Most major insurance; does not accept Medicaid.
- Delta Autumn Consulting (opens in a new tab), Oxford. IQ and autism testing. Private insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare.
- Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic, Mississippi State University (opens in a new tab), Starkville. Autism assessments, along with behavioral and academic interventions.
The guide lists more options elsewhere in the state, including Southaven and the Jackson area.
Questions to ask when you call
- What ages do you evaluate?
- Do you take my insurance, and do I need a referral?
- How long is the wait for an appointment?
- What does the evaluation include, and how long does it take?
- Will the written report include a diagnosis and recommendations my insurance will need?
While you wait
Waits for evaluations can be long. You don't have to wait to ask for help: early intervention and school services don't require a medical diagnosis, and you're welcome to call us at 662-539-7129 to talk through where you are.
