I did all the things you mentioned and they all helped in some way or other. Pediatrician referred us to a place that didn’t take our insurance but it being the university autism center , we’ve benefited a lot from connecting with them in many other ways. I also looked online to shop around. Called insurance company before touring those places to make sure they’re in network so I wouldn’t be wasting my time if not covered. I spoke to the therapists and asked them a bunch of questions and toured the facilities. I also spoke to other parents I met through networking via the university autism center. I finally made my decision based on all of the above and gut instinct about the therapist I met in person. I’m happy to say we’ve been very happy with our choice so far. It’s been a year since we started.