Autism Resources in North Carolina
A statewide guide to autism services across North Carolina — for families in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Asheville, and communities across the state.
North Carolina is home to one of the most influential autism programs in the world: the UNC TEACCH Autism Program, a university-based statewide network of regional centers established in 1972 that pioneered structured teaching and touches all 100 counties. The state's early intervention runs through the Infant-Toddler Program and its local CDSAs. But North Carolina also has one of the country's most difficult access challenges — the NC Innovations Waiver, the main pathway to long-term community supports, has a waitlist of nearly 19,000 people (the Registry of Unmet Needs), with waits that can stretch a decade or more.
This page walks through how the pieces fit together and where the gaps are.
We've written this as a starting point. North Carolina readers who know specifics better than we do — tell us what we got wrong or missed.
Find your city
Jump to a local guide with providers, schools, and activities near you.
North Carolina at a glance
Early intervention program
Insurance mandate
Medicaid waivers (3)
- NC Innovations Waiver
- NC Registry of Unmet Needs (RUN)
- Community Alternatives Program (CAP/C and CAP/DA)
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Support organizations
The University of North Carolina''s statewide autism program, established in 1972 — a university-based network of seven regional centers offering diagnostic evaluations, structured-teaching consultation, parent training, and adult services across all 100 counties. A global model for autism care.
Autism Society of North CarolinaOne of the largest and most active state autism societies in the country. Provides resource navigation, advocacy, skill-building programs, camps, and clear guides to the Innovations Waiver and Registry of Unmet Needs.
Exceptional Children''s Assistance Center (ECAC)North Carolina''s federally designated Parent Training and Information Center. Free support for families navigating special education and disability services.
Disability Rights North CarolinaNorth Carolina''s federally designated protection and advocacy organization. Legal advocacy for North Carolinians with disabilities.
NC Medicaid — Innovations WaiverState information on the NC Innovations Waiver, eligibility, how to apply, and the Registry of Unmet Needs waitlist, managed through regional LME/MCOs.
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