CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (COE) certification allows eligible providers to diagnose autism spectrum disorder
for pediatric patients with Washington State Medicaid insurance and, if medically necessary, write a covered prescription for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
Live ZOOM Training: Friday, March 6, 2026, 8:30-4:30 pm
Eligible COE providers: MD, DO, ARNP, PMHNP, ND and PA-C.
Note: Neurologists, psychiatrists, licensed psychologists and developmental behavioral pediatricians are recognized as COEs
without attending the training.
SLPs, OTs, mental health clinicians, care coordinators, school personnel, administrators and other partners in evaluating and /or
caring for autistic children and youth are also welcome.
Presenters:
• Gary Stobbe, MD, Director, UW Medicine Adult Autism Clinic
• Jim Mancini, MS, CCC-SLP, University of WA, Director of WA INCLUDE Collaborative
• Jen Gerdts, PhD, Psychologist
• Karis Casagrande, PhD., Psychologist
- And additional multi-disciplinary experts
The free COE training focuses on current research and thinking regarding the
evaluation, treatment and continuing care for autistic children and youth and their
families including:
• Getting support from your administration
• Screening, evaluation and diagnosis
• Differential diagnosis and co-occurring diagnoses
• Diagnostic evaluation models
• Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and other Interventions
• Documentation, billing codes and orders
• Lived experience perspectives from autistic and family advocates
• Advice from current community COE clinicians
• Resources for families
• ECHO Autism Washington and other follow up support
• Q & A and connect with regional partners
Completion of a free online 3 credit CME 1 course — “Autism Identification and Collaborative Care” from the American
Academy of Pediatrics/ Pedialink is required before the training
——————————————————————————
—————————————————————————–
hat Does the Autism COE Designation Mean?
An autism COE provider can evaluate and establish or confirm the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder and develop the multidisciplinary clinical treatment plan, including prescribing ABA therapy if appropriate, for Medicaid eligible children. COE required for Managed Care Organization (MCO) prescription approval.
COE status may help other insurance plans to authorize ABA services for their covered children but each insurance plan may have different diagnostic requirements.
As of October 7, 2024 all COEs can also make an autism diagnosis that will be accepted for Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS, formerly known as DDA) eligibility.
COE status and training is focused on making Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis.
How to Become an Autism COE
To become an autism COE, eligible primary care providers need to:
- Complete the Washington State Autism COE Certification training including AAP/Pedialink prerequisite
- Return the COE attestation form to HCA and request to be listed as a COE
- Be enrolled in Washington State Medicaid
Psychologists, developmental behavioral pediatricians, psychiatrists and neurologists should contact ABA@hca.wa.gov to be added to the official COE list to ensure there are no questions about having ABA prescriptions approved by Medicaid.
Upcoming Autism COE Trainings
HCA contracts with the University of Washington to have experts provide COE training on evaluating and diagnosing children with autism and treatment options available, including accessing ABA therapy.
For more information, please see the COE Certification training page.
Please email Kate Orville (orville@uw.edu) you would like to be notified of future COE trainings.
