Parenting a child with special needs in the Triangle comes with unique challenges — and unique advantages. The concentration of research universities, medical centers, and dedicated nonprofits means we have access to resources that families in many other parts of the country don't. Here's a comprehensive guide.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Early Intervention (Ages 0-3)
If you suspect developmental delays in your child under 3, contact the NC Infant-Toddler Program through your county:
Wake County: Alliance Health coordinates services. Call 1-800-510-9132.
Durham County: Same Alliance Health line.
Orange County: Cardinal Innovations (1-800-939-5911).Early intervention services (speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, developmental specialists) are provided at no cost to families in North Carolina. A team evaluates your child and creates an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Services often happen in your home.
Don't wait. If your pediatrician says "wait and see" but your gut says something's different, self-refer. You don't need a doctor's referral for early intervention.
School-Age Evaluations (Ages 3+)
At age 3, children transition from early intervention to the public school system. Your local school district must evaluate and provide services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if your child qualifies.
Wake County Public Schools Special Education: 919-431-7555
Durham Public Schools Exceptional Children: 919-560-2281
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools EC: 919-967-8211Private evaluations (neuropsychological, developmental pediatric) can provide more comprehensive assessments:
Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development — Nationally recognized
UNC TEACCH Autism Program — Pioneer in autism services, based in Chapel Hill
Carolina Pediatric Therapy — Comprehensive evaluations in RaleighTherapy and Treatment
Speech-Language Therapy
Carolina Pediatric Therapy (Raleigh, Cary) — Large practice with many SLPs, occupational therapists, and physical therapists under one roof
Achieve Therapy (Durham) — Pediatric speech and OT
UNC Speech and Hearing Clinic (Chapel Hill) — University clinic with supervised graduate students. Often more affordable and thorough.Occupational Therapy
Carolina Pediatric Therapy (multiple locations)
SOAR Therapy (Raleigh) — Specializes in sensory processing
Emerge Pediatric Therapy (Durham) — OT, PT, and speech in one locationABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis)
For children with autism:
Autism Society of North Carolina — Can help connect families with ABA providers
Bierman Autism Centers (Cary) — Center-based ABA
Trumpet Behavioral Health (Raleigh) — In-home and center-based ABA
UNC TEACCH (Chapel Hill) — Structured teaching approach, not traditional ABA but highly effectivePhysical Therapy
Duke Pediatric Physical Therapy — Multiple locations
WakeMed Children's Rehabilitation — Hospital-based, good for complex needs
Playworks Pediatric Therapy (Raleigh) — Fun, play-based approachInclusive Activities and Recreation
Adaptive Sports
Raleigh Parks and Recreation Therapeutics — One of the best municipal adaptive recreation programs in the state. Programs include adaptive swimming, basketball, tennis, art, and social clubs. Fees are minimal ($20-$50 per session). This program is a lifeline for special needs families.
Durham Parks and Rec Therapeutic Recreation — Similar programs including adaptive sports, camps, and social events.
Miracle League of the Triangle — Baseball for children with disabilities. Every child bats, every child scores. Games at Marsh Creek Park in Raleigh. Free to participate.
Sensory-Friendly Events
Marbles Kids Museum (Raleigh) — Monthly sensory-friendly mornings with reduced crowds, lowered lights, and quieter environment
Museum of Life and Science (Durham) — Sensory-friendly hours
AMC Theatres — Sensory-friendly movie screenings (lights slightly up, sound slightly down)
Raleigh Little Theatre — Sensory-friendly performances of select showsSummer Camps
Camp Royall (near Chapel Hill) — Operated by the Autism Society of NC. Residential and day camp for individuals with autism. One of the best programs of its kind in the country.
YMCA Inclusion Programs — All Triangle Y locations offer inclusion support for children with disabilities in their camp programs. Request an inclusion specialist during registration.
Raleigh Parks Therapeutics Summer Camp — Day camp for children with various disabilities. Affordable, structured, and staffed by trained counselors.Support for Parents
Parent Support Groups
The Arc of the Triangle — Support groups, advocacy workshops, and social events for families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Autism Society of NC - Triangle Chapter — Monthly support groups, parent trainings, and social events. One of the most active chapters in the state.
ECAC (Exceptional Children's Assistance Center) — Free workshops on IEP advocacy, behavior management, and navigating the special education system. Their IEP helpline is invaluable.
NAMI Wake County / NAMI Durham — Support for families navigating mental health challenges, including childhood anxiety, ADHD, depression, and behavioral disorders.
Respite Care
Parenting a child with special needs is exhausting. Respite care gives you a break:
Easter Seals UCP NC — Respite programs for qualifying families
Medicaid CAP (Community Alternatives Program) — Provides respite hours for children with significant needs
Local churches — Some congregations offer special needs respite nights (check RDU Special Needs Ministry Network)Financial Resources
Insurance and Medicaid
NC Medicaid covers many therapies for qualifying children. Even if your family income is too high for regular Medicaid, your child may qualify for a Medicaid waiver based on their disability:
CAP/C (Community Alternatives Program for Children) — Covers respite, specialized therapies, and adaptive equipment
Innovations Waiver — For individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilitiesGrants and Financial Help
First In Families of NC — Grants for families of individuals with disabilities (up to $500 for specific needs)
Autism Society of NC — Emergency grants and resource connections
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation — Grants for medical expenses not fully covered by insuranceAdvocacy
Know Your Rights
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) guarantees a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities
You have the right to request an evaluation, attend IEP meetings, and disagree with the school's recommendations
ECAC (1-800-962-6817) provides free advocacy support and can attend IEP meetings with youWhen Things Aren't Working
If you disagree with your child's IEP or services:
1. Request a meeting in writing
2. Bring an advocate (ECAC can provide one)
3. File a state complaint if needed (NC Department of Public Instruction)
4. Know that mediation and due process hearings are available
You are your child's best advocate. The Triangle has the resources to support you — lean on them.
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