In North Carolina, autism services for young children start with the North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program, North Carolina's Part C early intervention program for children under three, run through the Department of Health and Human Services. For school-age children, special education and IEPs are handled by your local school district. Longer-term supports come through the NC Innovations Medicaid waiver, whose Registry of Unmet Needs has very long waits, so register early. The resources below cover statewide programs plus local providers in each county.
Free webinars & trainings for North Carolina autism families, happening all year.
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Local providers and support groups, county by county.
Diagnosis & Early Intervention
Getting an evaluation and accessing early services.
Free CDC milestone checklists and a Milestone Tracker app help you follow your child's development from 2 months to 5 years, so you know what to watch for and when to act. A gentle first step when you're unsure whether to seek an evaluation.
A university-based center at UNC offering multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluations and clinical care for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. A good place to turn when you want a whole team of specialists looking at your child's needs together.
Part of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, this clinic provides thorough autism evaluation and diagnosis for children and teens, along with ongoing treatment and consultation. A strong option for families seeking a comprehensive medical assessment.
If your child is under 3 and you have concerns about how they're growing, learning, or communicating, this free statewide program can evaluate them and set up early intervention services right in your home. No family is ever turned away for inability to pay.
A long-trusted University of North Carolina program offering autism diagnostic evaluations for children and adults, plus parent coaching and family support, at centers across the state. Their clinicians are national leaders in understanding and supporting autistic people.
School & IEP Rights
IEPs, 504 plans, special education, and school advocacy.
Every state has a federally funded Parent Training & Information Center offering free help with IEPs, special-education rights, and early intervention. This hub's directory locates the center that serves your state.
A national nonprofit protecting the rights of students with disabilities. Use their member directory to find a special-education attorney or trained advocate near you when you need help with an IEP or a dispute with a school.
Every state has a federally mandated Protection & Advocacy agency that offers free legal help when a school isn't following your child's IEP or evaluating them as required. This directory connects you to the office serving your area.
As the state's federally designated protection and advocacy organization, DRNC helps families understand and enforce special education rights, file complaints and appeals, and can represent students on systemic issues, all at no cost. It's a trusted place to turn when your child's needs aren't being met at school.
ECAC is North Carolina's federally funded Parent Training & Information Center, with parent educators who help you understand your child's special education rights, navigate the IEP process, and become their best advocate. All support for NC families is free.
Legal Aid of NC offers free civil legal help to eligible families, including support with special education and disability-related school needs. Their statewide helpline is a good first call if your child is facing suspension, denial of services, or other education problems.
This is the state agency that oversees special education across North Carolina's public schools, offering parent resources and guidance on your rights under IDEA. If you have questions about your district's obligations, this office and its parent liaison can point you in the right direction.
Therapy & Treatment
ABA, speech, OT, and finding the right providers.
You matter too. Psychology Today's therapist finder filters for 'caregiver stress' and 'autism family,' and Open Path Collective offers reduced-cost therapy sessions nationwide. You cannot support your child well without also supporting yourself.
A clear, family-friendly guide from North Carolina's federally mandated protection and advocacy agency explaining how to access ABA, TEACCH, speech, OT, PT, and Medicaid autism services. A helpful roadmap when you're figuring out what your child qualifies for and how to request it.
NC Medicaid covers research-based behavioral health treatment, including ABA therapy, for eligible individuals with autism, and it is a mandatory EPSDT benefit for children under 21. Families can call the Medicaid Contact Center to learn how to request services through their health plan.
Financial Assistance & Benefits
Medicaid waivers, SSI, ABLE accounts, and legal aid.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money tax-free without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility. This center compares every state's ABLE program so you can pick the best one for your family.
As the state's federally designated protection and advocacy agency, DRNC provides free legal help and advocacy to North Carolinians with disabilities on issues like benefits, healthcare access, and community supports. Their services are free to any NC resident with a disability.
Legal Aid of NC offers free legal help to lower-income families facing a denial, cut, or overpayment of benefits like SSI, SSDI, Social Security, and Medicaid. You can reach a live person through their statewide helpline to apply for assistance.
NC ABLE lets your family save and invest money for disability-related expenses tax-free without risking SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. It's run by the NC Department of State Treasurer and is open to anyone whose disability began before age 46.
North Carolina's Medicaid home- and community-based waiver funds one-on-one support, respite, and daily-living help for people of any age with an intellectual or developmental disability, including autism. Anyone can apply regardless of income or insurance, and it's worth joining the waitlist early since spots are limited.
Support Groups & Community
Find your people, in person and online.
The nation's oldest grassroots autism organization. Their National Helpline connects families to information and referrals, and their affiliate finder points you to a local chapter in your area for in-person support and events.
The largest national community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Local chapters offer advocacy, family support, and lifelong services. Use the chapter finder to locate the office nearest you.
Dial 2-1-1 (or visit 211.org) to reach a free, confidential referral line for local health and human services in almost every US community, including disability services, respite, food, housing, and financial assistance.
This statewide nonprofit runs more than 80 local parent support groups (including Spanish-language groups) across the state, plus Autism Resource Specialists who can help you find services one-on-one. It is a warm first stop for connecting with other North Carolina families who get it.
A UNC-based statewide network that connects you with a trained parent who has walked a similar path, plus support groups and help navigating services. All parent-to-parent matching and support is free.
Free, year-round sports training and recreation in 20 sports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with a local program in nearly every county. A joyful way to build friendships, confidence, and community.
Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning
Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.
A neurodivergent employment agency offering job support nationwide over Zoom: resume building, mock interviews, and career guidance, plus direct outreach to employers to help secure placements. Supports neurodivergent individuals roughly ages 16 to 50, and has been in business over 15 years.
This North Carolina nonprofit serves as a professional trustee for special needs trusts and as a guardianship agency, helping families protect a loved one's benefits and plan for care when parents can no longer serve. A helpful option if you're weighing a special needs trust or need an independent guardian.
This state council advocates for people with I/DD and keeps a clear, plain-language guide to the programs families use as they plan for adulthood, from waivers and care managers to employment services. It's a good first stop when you're trying to make sense of the whole system.
The state's IDD division connects adults with long-term supports for daily living, community involvement, and independence, plus decision-making options that are alternatives to full guardianship. Their customer service line can help you understand what your family qualifies for.
North Carolina's state vocational rehabilitation program helps teens and adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs through counseling, training, job coaching, and assistive technology. Reach out to a local office to start a plan as your young adult approaches the working years.
Common questions about autism services in North Carolina
How do I get an autism evaluation for my child in North Carolina?
Start with your pediatrician for a referral. For children under three, contact the North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program for a free developmental evaluation. For school-age children, submit a written request to your school district for a special education evaluation.
What is the North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program?
The North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program is North Carolina's early intervention program for children under three with developmental delays or disabilities, including autism. It provides evaluations and services, with many at no cost to families.
Are autism services free in North Carolina?
Special education through your school district is free, and early intervention evaluations are free, with many services at no cost, though some states use a sliding-scale fee. Medicaid and private insurance cover many therapies.
My child is over three. Where do I start in North Carolina?
Contact your school district to request a special education evaluation and an IEP. North Carolina's developmental disabilities agency can also connect you to longer-term supports and any Medicaid waivers.
A note on these listings. This directory is informational and not an
endorsement. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility change, so always confirm details
directly with the provider before relying on them. Nothing here is medical or legal advice.
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