County resource guide
Autism Resources in Cumberland County, North Carolina
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Cumberland County. North Carolina statewide resources also apply.
Cumberland County — home to Fayetteville, Spring Lake, and Hope Mills — is served by Cape Fear Valley Health for developmental evaluations and by Cumberland County Schools for special education. The large military community at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) means many families are TRICARE beneficiaries; ABA therapy is covered under TRICARE. NC Early Intervention services are available through the county CDSA, and ECAC provides free IEP advocacy statewide. The NC Innovations Waiver waitlist should be joined as early as possible.
School evaluation
Request a School Evaluation
Under IDEA, your school district must evaluate your child for free if you request it in writing. Here’s who to contact in Cumberland County:
Cumberland County Schools EC
Serves all of Cumberland County including Fayetteville.
Contacts verified May 2026 — call to confirm current numbers
Learn how to write your evaluation request →Provider directory
Local Providers30 providers in Cumberland County
About our listings
Provider listings on Autism Parent Club are submitted by practices or researched from public sources. All listings are reviewed by a person before publication, and no provider has paid to appear here. Read how we verify listings, or use the “Suggest a correction” link below to flag anything inaccurate.
0 providers in Cumberland County. Filter by your child’s age — including 18+, which is the hardest to find anywhere.
Diagnostic clinics
Formal autism evaluations by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists.
Fayetteville
Cape Fear Valley Health — Child Development Center
Developmental and autism evaluations through Cape Fear Valley's pediatric program, serving Fayetteville and surrounding Cumberland County communities. Coordinates with military family services for Tricare-covered families near Fort Liberty.
Accepts Tricare. Key resource for military families at Fort Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg).
Elizabethtown · multi-county
Cape Fear Valley Health — Developmental Referrals (Bladen County)
Autism evaluation referral pathway for Bladen County families through Cape Fear Valley Health in Fayetteville. Connects Elizabethtown-area families to comprehensive developmental diagnostics.
Early Intervention (0–3)
Free services for children under 3 under IDEA Part C.
Greenville · multi-county
UNC TEACCH Autism Program — Eastern Region
TEACCH's eastern North Carolina regional center providing structured teaching consultation, school support, and professional training. Families in Cumberland County can access structured teaching consultations and school team training.
Globally recognized structured teaching model. Serves eastern NC from Greenville; Cumberland families are in service area.
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Fayetteville
Behavioral Innovations — Fayetteville
Center-based ABA therapy in Fayetteville serving Cumberland County children. BCBA-supervised programming accepts most commercial insurance and Tricare under North Carolina's ABA insurance mandate.
Tricare accepted. Serves active-duty and veteran families in the Fort Liberty area.
Raeford · multi-county
Behavioral Innovations — Hoke County
ABA therapy for Hoke County families. BCBA-supervised programming accepts Tricare, NC Medicaid, and commercial insurance under NC's ABA mandate. Hoke County has a significant military-connected population given proximity to Fort Liberty. Families may also access Fayetteville-area providers.
Tricare accepted. Military families near Fort Liberty: ask about continuity of care planning for PCS moves.
Dunn · multi-county
Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center — Harnett County
Hopebridge provides center-based ABA therapy serving Harnett County families. BCBA-supervised with integrated speech and OT services. NC Medicaid and commercial insurance accepted under North Carolina's ABA insurance mandate.
NC Medicaid covers ABA for eligible children. NC requires commercial insurance coverage.
Respite care
Respite care providers giving families a break — in-home, center-based, and overnight.
Statewide · multi-county
Respite through CAP waivers and the Family Caregiver Support Program
Two separate routes in North Carolina. The Community Alternatives Program waivers cover respite as a funded service — CAP/C for children from birth to 20 who need a hospital or nursing facility level of care, and CAP/DA for disabled adults. Separately, the NC Family Caregiver Support Program, run through the Division of Aging, offers respite to unpaid family caregivers and does not require a waiver.
If your child does not meet the CAP/C medical-fragility bar, the Family Caregiver Support Program is the route to ask about instead — different eligibility, different door.
~3,000 providers nationwide
ARCH National Respite Locator
A free national database of respite providers searchable by state and locality — home care agencies, community-based organizations and state programs. The single best starting point for finding respite anywhere in the country, and it is the tool state agencies themselves point families toward.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Before you pay out of pocket, check what your state's Medicaid waiver funds — respite is covered by nearly every state waiver, and many families never think to ask.
Most states run one
Your state's Lifespan Respite Care Program
Lifespan Respite Care Programs are federally seeded, state-run programs that help families of any age and any disability find and pay for respite — often including vouchers or subsidies that do not depend on having a Medicaid waiver. Most states have one, they are chronically under-used, and they are rarely mentioned by anyone else in the system.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Search for "[your state] Lifespan Respite" or use the ARCH directory. Ask specifically about voucher or subsidy programs — that is the part families most often miss.
Parent & family support
Parent groups, sibling programs, and family peer support.
Fayetteville
Autism Society of North Carolina — Fayetteville Regional Office
ASNC's regional presence in Fayetteville offering support groups, crisis intervention, adult services, and connection to statewide resources. Experienced with the unique needs of military families navigating autism services through PCS moves.
ASNC staff understand Tricare, EFMP enrollment, and navigating services across military moves.
Raeford · multi-county
Autism Society of North Carolina — Hoke County / Fort Liberty Area
ASNC support for Hoke County and Fort Liberty area families. Crisis support line, peer connections, and links to statewide resources. ASNC staff understand Tricare and EFMP navigation for military families moving to or from Hoke County.
Active support for military families near Fort Liberty. Ask about resources for post-PCS transitions.
Advocacy & legal
Legal advocates, special education advocates, and disability rights organizations.
Davidson · multi-county
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC)
North Carolina's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. Free IEP advocacy, training, and one-on-one support for NC families. Knows North Carolina's specific special education rules and procedures.
FREE. Federally funded PTI. Call before any IEP meeting or dispute.
Davidson · multi-county
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC)
NC's federally funded PTI center providing free IEP advocacy and special education support for Harnett County families. Staff assist families navigating Harnett County Schools and understanding their rights under IDEA.
FREE. Federally funded PTI. Call before any IEP meeting or dispute.
Davidson · multi-county
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC)
NC's federally funded PTI providing free IEP advocacy for Sampson County families. Staff help navigate Sampson County Schools' EC department and understand IDEA rights. Telehealth consultations are particularly valuable for rural Sampson County families.
FREE. Federally funded PTI. Virtual consultations available for rural families.
Davidson · multi-county
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC)
NC's federally funded PTI providing free IEP advocacy for Robeson County families — one of North Carolina's most economically challenged and diverse counties. Staff serve English-speaking, Spanish-speaking, and Indigenous families navigating Robeson County Schools' EC services.
FREE. Federally funded PTI. Multilingual support available. Tribal families welcome.
Davidson · multi-county
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC)
NC's federally funded PTI providing free IEP advocacy for Hoke County families — including military families navigating Hoke County Schools after a PCS to Fort Liberty. Staff understand both IDEA rights and the unique challenges of frequent school transitions for military children.
FREE. Federally funded PTI. Military families: IDEA rights apply at all Hoke County schools.
Davidson · multi-county
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC)
NC's federally funded PTI center. Free IEP advocacy and special education rights support for Bladen County families in Elizabethtown and surrounding rural communities.
FREE. Federally funded PTI.
Fort Liberty
Fort Liberty Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
The U.S. Army's EFMP at Fort Liberty coordinates healthcare and school services for military children with special needs, including autism. Enrollment ensures the family's needs are factored into assignments and connects families to installation resources.
FREE. Required enrollment for military families with special-needs children. Start here before any other service.
Activities, clubs & recreation
Clubs, sports, camps, and social programs that welcome autistic children and teens — inclusive, adaptive, and special-needs specific.
Raleigh · multi-county
Autism Society of North Carolina - recreation programs
Statewide autism nonprofit running recreational activities and social programs alongside support groups, advocacy and training. The main organized route to autism-specific recreation in the state.
Raleigh · multi-county
North Carolina Adapted Sports
Statewide adapted sport programming - a route into organized competitive sport for young people who want to compete rather than simply take part.
200+ locations nationwide
ACEing Autism
Weekly Saturday tennis clinics built specifically for autistic children aged 5 to 18, run by volunteers at more than 200 locations across the country, serving over 7,000 players. Sessions run in six-week blocks of an hour. This is the clearest example of the interest-based model working: the sport supplies the structure, the turn-taking and the reason to be there, so the social side happens sideways rather than being the task.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Cost varies by location — around $120 for a six-week session at some sites, with scholarships available. Use the map on their site to find your nearest program, schedule and local contact.
~4,000 camps nationwide
American Camp Association — camp finder
A free searchable directory of close to 4,000 summer camps that can be filtered for camps serving autistic campers, by distance, session length, activities and cost. The best single starting point for finding a day or overnight camp anywhere in the country.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Registration for specialized camps typically opens December–February and popular overnight camps fill within days. Start the funding conversation in autumn.
Nationwide — find your local chapter
Best Buddies
One-to-one friendship matching between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, plus employment, leadership and inclusive living programs. Over 4,000 chapters across all 50 states, serving school-age through adult. If what your family wants is a friend rather than an activity, this is the most direct answer in the country.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
A national organization, not a local listing — use the finder on their site, or call 1-800-89BUDDY, to locate your nearest chapter.
Local affiliates across most of the country
Easterseals — camps and recreation
Day and overnight camps run through local Easterseals affiliates, several of them autism-specific, with weekend respite and family camp sessions as well. Many affiliates operate sliding-scale fees, and several camps serve adults alongside children.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Programs vary a great deal between affiliates — check what your nearest one actually runs rather than assuming the national description applies.
Week-long camps hosted nationwide
iCan Shine (iCan Bike)
Teaches people with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheeled bicycle, using adapted roller bikes over a week-long camp that gradually transfers balance to the rider. Learning to ride a bike is a milestone a lot of autistic children are quietly written off for, and this is the program that most reliably delivers it. Camps are hosted by local organizations across the country, so availability is by host town rather than by chapter.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Check their site for host locations and dates — camps run in different towns each year, so somewhere near you may host this year and not next.
Local chapters in a number of US cities
KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now)
Volunteer-led one-to-one recreation for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities, at no cost to families or carers. The one-to-one model is the point: a volunteer is paired with your child for the session, which makes it workable for people who cannot manage a group setting unsupported.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Free to families. Runs through local chapters in a number of US cities rather than everywhere — check whether yours has one.
900+ divisions nationwide
Little League Challenger Division
Baseball for children and adults with a physical or intellectual disability, across more than 900 divisions. The main division serves ages 4–18, or up to 22 if still enrolled in school; the Senior League Challenger Division serves 15 and above with no upper age limit.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Use the league finder on their site to locate the nearest Challenger division, or ask about starting one.
200+ communities
Miracle League
Baseball on purpose-built accessible fields in more than 200 communities. Every player bats and every player scores, so ability differences do not decide the game.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Check their location list for the nearest field — coverage is good but not universal.
Every state — county-level programs
Special Olympics
Year-round sports training and competition at no cost to the athlete or their family, for children and adults alike. Programs run at county level in every state.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Eligibility centers on intellectual disability or a closely related developmental disability. If your child is autistic without an intellectual disability, have a direct conversation about fit before signing up rather than after.
Through local clubs and state associations
TOPSoccer (US Youth Soccer)
The Outreach Program for Soccer — recreational soccer for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical disabilities, usually with buddy support on the pitch. Run through ordinary local soccer clubs rather than as a separate organization.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Ask your state youth soccer association which local clubs run TOPSoccer — it is often not advertised on the club's own website.
For providers
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Helpful guides
Guides for Cumberland County families
Step-by-step help on the topics that matter most.
School & IEP
Navigating the IEP process
Your rights under IDEA, how evaluations work, and what every IEP section means.
Finding help
ABA, OT, speech and waitlists
How to find qualified providers, navigate insurance, and get off waitlists faster.
Getting started
Where to start after diagnosis
A week-by-week checklist for the first 90 days — from evaluation to early intervention.
Benefits & money
SSI, Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts
Federal benefits your child may qualify for and how to apply without losing your spot.
Mental health
Co-occurring conditions and support
Managing anxiety, ADHD, and depression alongside an autism diagnosis.
Daily life
Sensory processing and OT
Understanding sensory needs, sensory diets, and how occupational therapy helps.
Adulthood
Employment, housing, legal planning
Supported employment, housing options, guardianship alternatives, and ABLE accounts.
Communities served
Cities in Cumberland County
Serving families across Cumberland County including Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Eastover, Linden, Godwin, Stedman, Wade, Falcon and Vander and more.
See all North Carolina resources
Waivers, PTI centers, and state programs apply to all families in North Carolina.
North Carolina state guide →Common questions
Answered from the providers currently listed for this county — these update as the directory does.
How many autism providers serve Cumberland County, North Carolina?
We list 18 providers serving Cumberland County, covering activities, clubs & recreation, parent & family support, ABA therapy, diagnostic clinics and advocacy & legal, plus 2 more. Some are based in the county and others serve it from nearby areas. Every listing is reviewed by a person before it is published.
Which autism providers in Cumberland County accept Medicaid?
2 of the providers we list for Cumberland County state that they accept Medicaid, including Behavioral Innovations — Hoke County and Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center — Harnett County. Coverage and plan participation change often, so confirm directly with the provider before your first appointment.
Where can I find ABA therapy in Cumberland County?
ABA providers serving Cumberland County are listed in the ABA therapy section of this page, with phone numbers and websites. Many deliver services in the family's home or at school as well as in a clinic. Ask about waitlists when you call — they vary widely and change month to month.
Are there telehealth autism services for Cumberland County families?
Yes — 1 provider serving Cumberland County offers telehealth or virtual sessions. This is often the fastest route to support for families in rural areas or on long local waitlists.
How do I get a free evaluation for a child under 3 in Cumberland County?
Contact Cumberland County Schools EC, the Early Intervention program serving Cumberland County. Under Part C of IDEA you can request an evaluation yourself — you do not need a doctor's referral, and the evaluation is free. Contact details are listed in the key contacts section of this page.
Does Medicaid pay for autism services in North Carolina?
North Carolina families can apply to the NC Innovations Waiver, a Medicaid waiver that can fund respite, therapies and in-home support. The typical wait is Ten years or longer — and slots are first come, first served, and your place is usually set by the date you apply — so applying early matters even if you are unsure what services you need. Many waivers also disregard parental income, so families who don't qualify for regular Medicaid often still qualify here.
What if I can't find an autism provider in Cumberland County?
If none of the Cumberland County providers is the right fit, these North Carolina counties currently have the most listed providers: Wake County (23), Durham County (19), Orange County (19), Alamance County (18). Many providers travel or offer telehealth, so it is worth calling even if they are not based nearby. You can also tell us about a provider we are missing.
Nearby counties in North Carolina
You know things we don’t
Still missing from Cumberland County
These are the things no database has and every parent knows. If you can answer one of them, another family in Cumberland Countygets an afternoon back. It takes about a minute and you don’t need to know the business details — a name and a rough location is enough for us to check.
- Which dentist here has managed a cleaning without it becoming a fight?
- Who cuts your child's hair without a meltdown?
- Is there a group here where your child has made a friend?
- Which pediatrician here actually listens, and doesn't rush the appointment?
We check everything before it goes up, and nobody pays to be listed. How we verify.
Get told when this page changes
New provider in Cumberland County? We'll email you.
One email when we verify a new provider in Cumberland County — no newsletter, no digest, nothing else. Some counties hear from us a few times a year and some stay quiet for months; we would rather send you nothing than send you filler.
We store your address and county, and nothing else. How we handle it.
See something that needs fixing?
Providers move, phone numbers change, and links break — it happens. If anything on this page is out of date, wrong, or no longer working, please tell us and we’ll fix it. Keeping this accurate for autism families is the whole reason we’re here.
Report a correction →Help the community
Know a great provider in Cumberland County?
If a therapist, clinic, or specialist helped your family, tell us about them and we’ll add them to the directory so other families can find them too.
Tell us about a provider →For providers
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