County resource guide
Whatcom County, Washington
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Whatcom County. Washington statewide resources also apply.
Local providers
6 listedDiagnostic clinics
Formal autism evaluations by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists.
Bellingham
PeaceHealth Medical Group — Developmental Pediatrics
PeaceHealth's Bellingham developmental pediatrics team provides autism evaluations and ongoing developmental support for children in northwest Washington. Referral from a primary care provider is typically needed. Accepts Apple Health and most commercial insurers.
For complex or older adolescent cases, a referral to Seattle Children's Autism Center can be requested.
Early Intervention (0–3)
Free services for children under 3 under IDEA Part C.
Bellingham
Whatcom County Birth to Three
IDEA Part C Early Intervention services for Whatcom County children under 3. Free developmental evaluations and services in natural settings — no diagnosis required. Coordinated through the county health department.
FREE under federal law. Services can begin before age 3 and transition to school district at age 3.
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Bellingham · multi-county
Northwest Behavioral Consulting — Bellingham
ABA therapy and behavioral consultation serving Whatcom and Skagit County families. Home- and community-based services with BCBA supervision. Washington's insurance mandate covers ABA under all commercial plans.
Washington requires commercial insurance to cover ABA therapy.
Burlington · multi-county
Northwest Behavioral Consulting — Skagit County
ABA therapy serving Skagit County with home- and community-based services. BCBA-supervised with individualized programs. This provider also serves Whatcom County to the north. Washington's ABA insurance mandate applies to all commercial plans.
Washington requires commercial insurance to cover ABA therapy.
Parent & family support
Parent groups, sibling programs, and family peer support.
Bellingham
Western Washington University — Autism Resource Program
Western Washington University's programs include student-led support and social groups for autistic individuals and family education events. The university also provides practicum placements that expand local therapy capacity.
Advocacy & legal
Legal advocates, special education advocates, and disability rights organizations.
Bellingham
Washington PAVE — Whatcom County Support
Free IEP advocacy, training, and special education navigation from Washington's federally funded PTI center. Covers all Washington families, including those near the Canadian border with questions about cross-border service coordination.
FREE. Serves all Washington counties.
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See all Washington resources
Waivers, PTI centers, and state programs apply to all families in Washington.
Washington state guide →