Health Providers

SPECIALTY:  A medical provider or doctor trained in mental health and medicine for mental health.

ROLE:  They can give medication that helps with behavior challenges that are part of autism, attention difficulties, and overactivity, depression, and anxiety.

Find psychiatrists in your area who may have some knowledge of autism. Enter “psychiatry” and your zip code to search psychiatrists in your area

Autism Society of NC Resource Directory Autism Speaks Resource Guide

The Work Together NC program focuses on adults, but may also be a resource for finding psychiatrists in your area:
Work Together NC - Find Services

The 211 website has a searchable database for providers in your area. To find psychiatrists in your area, enter your zip code and “psychiatrist”.
Search for Psychiatrists

SPECIALTY: A mental health provider may be a psychologist, licensed professional mental health counselor (LPMCH), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The providers specialize in mental health intervention. Some also have specialization in autism and autism intervention, including those at programs like The UNC TEACCH Program.

ROLE: A mental health provider may provide intervention or therapy for mental health issues. They may help with behavior challenges, sleep issues, or social interactions and communication depending on their background and training. They may also provide therapy to other family members who need support.

Autism Society of NC Resource Directory Autism Speaks Resource Guide

The Work Together NC program focuses on adults, but may also be a resource to find mental health providers in your area:
Work Together NC - Find Services

The 211 website has a searchable database for providers in your area. To find mental health providers in your area, click here and enter your zip code and “mental health”.
Search for Mental Health Providers

SPECIALTY:  A therapist trained in speech, communication, early play, and some feeding.

ROLE:  They work on speech and communication delays, practice early play skills, and may work on swallowing/eating problems. An SLP might work with the school or other providers to make a care plan.

For children under 3 years of age, a family may be able to access speech therapy through the CDSA.

Find your CDSA Contact

To learn more about how to refer to the CDSA click here:

CDSA Referral Information

Find speech therapists in your area that may have some knowledge of autism. Enter your zip code to search providers in your area.

Autism Society of NC Resource Directory Autism Speaks Resource Guide

SPECIALTY:  A therapist trained in daily living tasks (physical, social, play, self-care), feeding, and sensory issues.

ROLE:  They work on tolerating sound, touch, smell, and taste problems, work on fine motor skills like writing or holding things, help expand a child’s food choices if texture or smell is a problem, and help with learning self-help skills. An OT might work with the school or other providers to make a care plan.

For children under 3 years of age, a family may be able to access occupational therapy through the CDSA.

Find your CDSA Contact CDSA Referral Information

Find occupational therapists in your area who have some knowledge of autism. You can enter “occupational therapists” and your zip code to search providers in your area.

Autism Society of NC Resource Directory Autism Speaks Resource Guide

SPECIALTY:  A therapist trained in gross motor skills (running, jumping, walking, toe walking, posture).

ROLE:  They work on motor issues like posture, toe-walking, and walking and running skills.

For children under 3 years of age, a family may be able to access physical therapy through the CDSA.

Find your CDSA Contact

To learn more about how to refer to the CDSA click here:

CDSA Referral Information

Find physical therapists in your area who may have some knowledge of autism. Enter your zip code and “physical therapists” to search providers in your area.

Autism Society of NC Resource Directory Autism Speaks Resource Guide

SPECIALTY:  A therapist trained specifically in ABA therapy, could be a licensed provider (BCBA) or a mental health provider or in North Carolina a licensed speech or occupational therapist or a non-licensed provider (RBT).

ROLE:  They work on play, social and communication skills, and behavior challenges and many give many hours a week of therapy. ABA therapists may talk to or with other providers. You can get ABA therapy in your home, at ABA offices, or virtually.

Find ABA providers in your area who have knowledge of autism. Enter “ABA”  and your zip code to search providers in your area.

Autism Society of NC Resource Directory Autism Speaks Resource Guide

SPECIALTY:  A professional who provides support in finding and keeping a job for a person with autism.

ROLE: A job coach helps autistic young adults interview, find a job, and provide on-the-job support. They are funded by Vocational Rehabilitation.

For more information about job support for autistic adults:

Vocational Rehabilitation website or Work Together NC website

SPECIALTY: A care coordinator or navigator specializes in the service system and helping families access needed services.

ROLE: A care coordinator/navigator helps families access services, get needed help, and communicate with other providers. A social worker may also serve this role in some settings.

Resource and Referral specialists are available at each Regional Center of the UNC TEACCH Program:
TEACCH Resource and Referral Specialists

Resource and Referral specialists are available through the Autism Society of North Carolina:
ASNC Resource Specialists

Care navigators may also be available through a family’s MCO or health plan. For families who have managed Medicaid, you can find your local MCO here:
NC DHHS: LME/MCO Directory

For children under the age of 3 years, the Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) assigns coordinators.
CDSA Referral Information