• Local Chapters
• Advocacy
• Public Policy
• Autism Waiver
• Education
• Community Resources
• Events
• Autism Source

Local Chapters

Autism Society chapters are your best source of information and support. Most chapters are volunteer-led by parents, care providers and other professionals. The Autism Society has chapters in nearly every state reaching out to individuals with autism and their families with information, support, and encouragement.

Contact a North Carolina Autism Society chapter.

Visit Autism Source to find local doctors, service providers and other useful resources in your area.

Advocacy

Council for Children’s Rights

The community's leading voice for children's rights, the Council for Children's Rights is comprised of 32 highly trusted attorneys, advocates and professional staff dedicated to serving children and connecting them to vital services.

North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities

The mission of NCCDD is to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to culturally competent services and supports.

*Please note that in the context of Special Education Law, an "advocate" differs from an attorney in several ways. By definition, an "advocate" is one that supports or promotes the interests of another while an "attorney" is a practitioner in a court of law who is legally qualified to prosecute and defend actions in such court on behalf of his or her clients. Although both may be able to help with your legal situation, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) only attorney's fees are recoverable to families prevailing in lawsuits. This delineation was the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision in Arlington Central School District Board of Education v. Murphy, 548 U.S. 291 (2006). There is currently legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would reverse this outcome (the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act, HR 434).

back to top

2008 State Autism Profiles - North Carolina

Partners in Policymaking

The North Carolina Partners in Policymaking program helps open the door for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family members to participate in the public discussion of principles and policies that affect their lives and their role in the community. Those selected to take part learn about how to communicate with public officials and legislators, and the general public, often making use of the media. Through a series of eight weekend seminars, they also gain information about the structure of laws and agencies that determine and administer programs affecting people with disabilities.


back to top

Autism Waiver

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Education

North Carolina Public Schools


back to top

Community Resources

Division TEACCH

TEACCH is a North Carolina program administered through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but because of its training activities and publications the TEACCH approach is widely known nationally and internationally.

Autism Services

Autism Services of Mecklenburg County is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and adults with autism, traumatic brain injury and other developmental disabilities. ASMC focuses on creating opportunities for consumers to improve life skills and providing quality services based on needs specific to both individuals and families.

F.I.R.S.T.

F.I.R.S.T. is a nonprofit, family-driven organization dedicated to helping persons with disabilities to live included, productive lives as members of the community by supporting and educating their families to be their child's best advocate and youth/adults to be self-advocates.

HOPE Parent Resource Center

The HOPE Parent Resource Center, a project of the Family Support Network/HOPE, is a federally funded Community Parent Resource Center. Our mission is to support families who have children with special needs to be involved in their child's education and development, learn about their child's and families' rights, feel more supported in the community, have more positive feelings about having a child with special needs, and help their child learn, grow, play and make friends.

NC Department of Human Services

Family Support Network of North Carolina

Family Support Network promotes and provides support for families with children who have special needs. Families are in a unique position to offer information and support to other families. An experienced family member can share the most practical advice and help a parent navigate the complex service system. FSN promotes and provides family support through its family support services, education and outreach activities, research and evaluation, and other projects.

Autism Community Initiative

The mission of Autism Community Initiative, Inc., is to address the residential, educational, vocational and social needs of adults with autism who reside in the greater Research Triangle region of North Carolina.


back to top

Autism Source

To find more information in your state, please visit www.autismsource.org.

The Autism Society welcomes your comments: If you would like to make a suggestion or share beneficial resources not included in this page, please click here to fill out our contact form.

back to top

Last updated: 22 January 2009