Local Autism Resources in Charlotte, NC

All ages

Alliance Health

The public health plan for Mecklenburg County Tailored Plan members. Call to join the NC Innovations Waiver waitlist or ask about disability services.

Autism Strong Foundation

Charlotte nonprofit that gives grants for autism therapy, camps, holiday gifts and new-diagnosis costs. Each child can receive one grant per calendar year.

All ages

Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services

The county office where Mecklenburg families can apply for NC Medicaid in person. You can also apply online through ePASS or by phone.

All ages

NC ABLE

Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people whose disability began before age 46. Balances up to $100,000 don't count against SSI.

All ages

NC Lifespan Respite Program

Pays family caregivers back for up to $750 of respite care in a calendar year. A local agency fills out the application for you.

All ages

NC Medicaid 1915(i) Services

Free home and community services for NC Medicaid members with I/DD, including people on the Innovations waitlist. Using them does not change your waitlist spot.

All ages

NC Medicaid Ombudsman

A help line for NC Medicaid members and families with questions, or with a problem they can't solve with their provider or health plan.

Ages 3-21

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Exceptional Children

The CMS special education department. Parents can ask for an evaluation by email or phone for students ages 3 to 21 who may have a disability.

ESA+ Scholarship (Education Student Accounts)

State scholarship of $9,000 a year, or $17,000 for certain disabilities, for private school tuition and approved costs like speech therapy.

Autism Charlotte

Charlotte nonprofit that runs an after-school and summer program for students with autism from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Gaston County Schools Exceptional Children

Gaston County's special education department for students in Gastonia and the rest of the county. A request for an evaluation must be in writing.

Opportunity Scholarship

State scholarship of about $3,000 to $7,000 a year, based on household income, for tuition and required fees at registered private schools.

Ages 11-21

Philips Academy of North Carolina

Private nonprofit middle and high school for students with complex learning and cognitive disabilities, including autism, focused on life skills and jobs.

All Kids Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dental practice that regularly cares for children with autism and sensory differences. It accepts NC Medicaid.

Blooming Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

South End pediatric dental office with an autism-friendly approach, including dimmed lights, picture schedules and longer visits so your child can go at their own pace.

Infants to teens

Integration Station Pediatric Therapy Services

Pediatric occupational therapy clinic in University City with autism-trained staff, sensory integration therapy and feeding help for picky eaters.

All ages

Northeastern University Charlotte Speech-Language Center

University speech clinic in South End where all evaluations and therapy are free, including parking. It sees children and adults.

Under 18

ACT Therapy Services

Child-led speech and occupational therapy practice that calls itself neurodiversity affirming, with sensory integration work for autistic children at its South Charlotte office.

All ages

Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center

Nonprofit speech and hearing clinic. Speech therapy for toddlers through school-age children includes help with social communication for autistic kids.

Chen Pediatric Dentistry

SouthPark pediatric dental practice that lists special needs dentistry among its specialties, for children from infancy to young adulthood.

Infants to teens

Lume Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dental group with several Charlotte offices whose team cares for children on the autism spectrum, with quiet spaces, visual supports and a slower pace.

All ages

NC Assistive Technology Program, Charlotte Center

State program with a Charlotte center where families can see assistive technology in action and borrow devices for a short time.

Infants to teens

Pediatric Dentistry of South Charlotte

Ballantyne pediatric dental office whose dentists and staff are trained to care for children with special needs.

Smile Academy Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dental practice on Park Road that cares for children with autism and sensory sensitivities, with extra time and fewer sensory triggers at each visit.

Snip-its Charlotte

Kids' hair salon on Park Road whose stylists get autism training. Ask about a pre-visit so your child can see the salon first.

Adults

Cakeable

Nonprofit cafe in Uptown Charlotte that gives adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities job training.

Teens and adults

NC Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, Charlotte Office

North Carolina's vocational rehabilitation office in Charlotte. It helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs.

Adults 18+

ZABS Place

Nonprofit thrift boutique in Matthews that trains young adults with special needs for jobs and helps them move into careers.

Adults

Autism Services of Mecklenburg County

Charlotte nonprofit that has run group homes and support services for adults with autism and other disabilities since 1979.

All ages

Christ Covenant Church HisAbilities Ministry

Matthews church ministry with a Sunday school class for adults with disabilities and buddies who stay with children in Sunday school.

Friendship Circle of Charlotte

Charlotte nonprofit that pairs young people with intellectual and developmental differences with peer volunteers for social programs and friendships.