Autism resources in
Cabarrus County.

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.

This is Cabarrus County's local office of North Carolina's Early Intervention system, offering free developmental evaluations and support for babies and toddlers (birth to age three) with delays or special needs. No doctor referral is required, and you can call to request an evaluation yourself.

North Carolina's statewide early intervention program supports families and their children, birth to three, who have developmental delays or special needs. It connects you to your local Children's Developmental Services Agency for free evaluation and support.

A long-established nonprofit whose Early Intervention Clinic offers developmental screenings, monitoring, and in-home therapy services for children from birth to age five. They serve Cabarrus County alongside surrounding counties from their Salisbury offices.

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.

This is your local school district's special education office, serving families in Concord, Kannapolis, and across the county. Their site offers the Handbook of Parent Rights, Section 504 resources, and a plain-language Parents' Guide to Special Education in North Carolina.

This is the state education agency that oversees special education and protects your parental rights under IDEA. They handle the formal ways to resolve disagreements with a school, including facilitated IEP meetings, mediation, and state complaints.

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.

Part of UNC's respected, state-funded TEACCH program, this regional center serves Cabarrus County families with autism diagnostic evaluations, treatment planning, parent support, and consultation. It's a trusted, university-based resource for children and adults alike.

This Concord clinic brings ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy together under one roof for children with autism and other developmental needs. Their team includes behavior analysts and licensed pediatric therapists, and they're currently accepting new families.

A long-running Concord practice offering speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for children with autism, developmental delays, and sensory needs. They see kids in their clinic, and at home or daycare for those who need it.

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.

This is your local county office to apply for Medicaid, Special Assistance, and other economic support for your family. Spanish-speaking staff are available, and you can call or visit in person to start an application.

Partners is the public managed-care organization that coordinates Medicaid and state-funded services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Cabarrus County, including the NC Innovations Waiver, care management, and the waiver waitlist. Call their member line and they can walk you through getting your child evaluated and connected to services.

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.

A Concord-based nonprofit serving Cabarrus County families, with respite services that give parents relief and therapeutic and parenting support for children ages 3-21 with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. A caring local option when you need a trusted break or extra support at home.

A long-established North Carolina nonprofit with a Concord location that supports children and adults with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. Services include community and living support, respite care to give caregivers a break, and mental health care.

A local chapter that walks alongside families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering information and referral, advocacy, respite through its First in Families program, and Camp Spencer, a summer recreation camp run with Concord Parks and Recreation. A warm first call when you need someone local who knows the county's services.

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.

A Charlotte-based Center for Independent Living serving Mecklenburg, Gaston, Union, and Cabarrus counties, offering advocacy, independent-living skills, peer mentoring, and transportation training for people with disabilities. They help adults set and reach their own goals for living independently.