Autism resources in
Durham 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.

TEACCH is UNC's respected statewide autism program, and its Chapel Hill center is the closest one to Durham families in the Triangle. They offer autism diagnostic evaluations for all ages plus therapy, parent training, and ongoing consultation.

Part of Duke Health right here in Durham, this clinic provides expert autism diagnostic evaluations and follow-up support for children. It's a nationally recognized autism center, so your child is seen by specialists who do this every day.

This Duke Health clinic in Durham offers developmental and behavioral evaluations for children and young adults, including for autism, ADHD, and anxiety. It's a good starting point when you want a thorough look at what's going on and clear next steps.

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.

Based right in Durham at Duke Law School, this clinic gives free legal advice and representation to low-income families in special education, school discipline, and disability benefits cases. It has helped hundreds of children across the Durham region since 2002.

This is the district office that manages IEPs and special education services for students in Durham Public Schools. It's your first point of contact for evaluations, services, and support within your child's own school system.

This local advocacy group attends IEP and 504 meetings alongside you, reviews assessments, and helps you navigate the special education process. They serve Durham County families both in person and virtually.

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.

A well-established Durham practice offering occupational therapy and speech therapy for children and adults, including feeding therapy and autism services. A warm option when your child needs hands-on help with daily skills and communication.

This Duke Children's clinic in Durham evaluates and treats children with speech, language, hearing, and swallowing needs, including communication challenges related to autism. Care is coordinated with your family, school, and referring provider.

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.

Legal Aid of NC offers free legal help to lower-income families in Durham, including cases where SSI or disability benefits are denied, reduced, or overpaid. You can reach their statewide Helpline to apply for assistance.

This official federal guide explains Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and SSDI for children and adults with disabilities, including who qualifies and how to apply. Children may be eligible for monthly SSI payments starting as early as birth.

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.

The city's specialized and inclusive recreation unit runs buddy sports, Challenger flag football, community bingo, dances, movie outings, and Special Olympics Durham County for people with disabilities. It is a welcoming, low-cost way to help your child stay active and make friends close to home.

Miracle League runs adaptive baseball for children and adults with special needs, and their Durham field beside the Bulls' ballpark has a wheelchair-friendly surface so every player can get on base. Volunteer buddies make sure the games are safe, joyful, and all about fun.

A Triangle-based nonprofit (formerly The Arc of the Triangle) with a Raleigh office offering day programs, social and recreational activities, and community support for youth and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. A welcoming place for your child to build friendships and skills close to home.

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.

The county's Adult Services division helps local families with guardianship, in-home aide services, adult day programs, and safety planning for adults with disabilities. It's a good first call when you're navigating decision-making and long-term care questions close to home.

Run by the UNC School of Social Work, this statewide hub walks families through guardianship, less-restrictive alternatives like supported decision-making, and how special needs trusts protect benefits. It's a clear, trustworthy place to understand your options before making big legal decisions for your adult child.