Autism & Developmental Resources

Helping Families Find Information, Connection & Support

Whether you're just beginning to explore developmental concerns, recently received an autism diagnosis, or have been navigating services for years, finding the right resources can feel overwhelming.

At KindMind Pediatric Evaluations, we believe families deserve clear information, meaningful support, and the opportunity to make informed decisions about their child's care.

We've gathered North Carolina resources to help families explore developmental services, educational support, community programs, and opportunities for connection.

Every child's journey is different. There isn't one right path, and you don't have to figure everything out at once.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that can influence how a person communicates, interacts with others, processes sensory information, learns, and experiences the world.

Autistic children have a wide range of strengths, interests, personalities, and support needs. No two autistic children are exactly alike.

Developmental concerns may also involve speech and language, motor skills, attention, learning, adaptive functioning, emotional regulation, or other areas of development.

Understanding a child's individual developmental profile can help families identify useful supports while recognizing and building on their child's strengths.

UNC TEACCH Autism Program

A statewide program offering autism-related clinical services, parent support, education, and professional training.

Website: https://teacch.com

Autism Society of North Carolina

Provides education, family support, community connections, and resources for autistic individuals and their families throughout North Carolina.

Website: https://www.autismsociety-nc.org

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Provides information about early intervention, developmental disability services, eligibility, and available state programs.

Website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov

If you have concerns about your infant or toddler's development, you don't have to wait for a formal autism diagnosis to explore early intervention services.

North Carolina's Infant-Toddler Program supports eligible children from birth to age three who have developmental delays or established conditions.

Local Children's Developmental Services Agencies (CDSAs) coordinate services, which may include developmental evaluation, family support, and individualized early intervention services.

North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/child-and-family-well-being/north-carolina-infant-toddler-program-nc-itp

Find Your Local Children's Developmental Services Agency

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/child-and-family-well-being/north-carolina-infant-toddler-program-nc-itp/nc-itp-childrens-developmental-services-agency-directory

Children ages three and older may qualify for developmental or educational services through their local public school system.

Families can contact their school district's Exceptional Children department to request information about evaluations, eligibility, and special education services.

A medical diagnosis and eligibility for school-based services are separate determinations. A child does not necessarily need a medical autism diagnosis to be considered for special education services.

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction — Exceptional Children

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/exceptional-children

School can be a significant part of a child's support system, but navigating evaluations, accommodations, and special education services can be confusing.

Families may have questions about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 plans, classroom supports, school-based evaluations, and how to advocate for their child's needs.

Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC)

Provides free parent education, information, and guidance about special education and educational advocacy.

https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Provides state-level information about special education procedures and resources for families.

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/exceptional-children/resources-for-families-students

KindMind Free Parent Guide: Preparing for an IEP Meeting

A practical guide to help families organize concerns, prepare questions, understand the meeting process, and participate confidently in educational decisions.

Link to the free downloadable guide in our Parent Resources section.

Some children with developmental disabilities may qualify for additional services through North Carolina Medicaid and other state-supported programs.

The NC Innovations Waiver provides home- and community-based supports for eligible individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Available services may include assistance with daily living, community participation, respite, and other individualized supports.

The program has a waitlist, so families who believe their child may qualify are encouraged to learn about the application process early.

Learn About the NC Innovations Waiver

https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/beneficiaries/nc-innovations-waiver

How to Apply

https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/beneficiaries/nc-innovations-waiver/how-apply-nc-innovations-waiver

NC 211 helps connect individuals and families with community resources, including healthcare, financial assistance, housing, transportation, and other essential services.

Website: https://nc211.org

Depending on your child's individual needs, helpful supports may include speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral consultation, mental health services, parent coaching, educational accommodations, or community-based programs.

Not every child needs every service.

When exploring providers, we encourage families to consider whether services are individualized, respectful, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to the child's communication, preferences, and support needs.

Families should feel comfortable asking questions, participating in treatment decisions, and discussing concerns with their child's providers.

The right support helps your child build meaningful skills while respecting who they are.

Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start.

KindMind Pediatric Evaluations offers comprehensive psychological evaluations, diagnostic clarification, behavioral assessments, parent consultation, and individualized recommendations.

Our goal isn't simply to identify a diagnosis, but to help families better understand their child's strengths, developmental needs, and support options.

Whether you're seeking an initial evaluation, exploring an existing diagnosis, or looking for guidance about next steps, we're here to help.

If you're unsure what type of evaluation or support your child may need, reach out.

Understanding your child is a journey, and you deserve meaningful support along the way.

Resource Disclaimer: The organizations and links on this page are provided for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not represent an endorsement or guarantee of services by KindMind Pediatric Evaluations. Program eligibility, availability, referral requirements, and contact information may change. Families are encouraged to contact organizations directly for current information.