County resource guide
Autism Resources in Forsyth County, North Carolina
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Forsyth County. North Carolina statewide resources also apply.
Forsyth County — home to Winston-Salem, Kernersville, and Lewisville — is the heart of the western Piedmont Triad and is served by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, which provides developmental pediatric evaluation services. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools operates special education and Exceptional Children programs across the district. NC Early Intervention is available through the county's CDSA for children under 3. ECAC provides free IEP advocacy statewide, and the NC Innovations Waiver serves eligible adults — apply early given the long waitlist.
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 Forsyth County:
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools EC
Serves all of Forsyth County including Winston-Salem.
Contacts verified May 2026 — call to confirm current numbers
Learn how to write your evaluation request →Provider directory
Local Providers28 providers in Forsyth 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 Forsyth 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.
Winston-Salem · multi-county
Wake Forest Baptist — Developmental Pediatrics (Rockingham Referrals)
Autism and developmental evaluations through Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for Rockingham County families. Comprehensive pediatric specialty care for families in the Reidsville and Eden areas.
Winston-Salem · multi-county
Wake Forest Baptist — Developmental Pediatrics (Surry Referrals)
Primary autism evaluation referral hub for Surry County through Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Comprehensive developmental and autism diagnostic services for families in the Mount Airy region.
Winston-Salem · multi-county
Wake Forest Baptist — Developmental Pediatrics (Wilkes Referrals)
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's developmental pediatrics team serves as the primary autism evaluation referral destination for Wilkes County families. Comprehensive evaluations for autism and developmental disabilities.
Winston-Salem
Wake Forest Baptist Brenner Children's Hospital — Developmental Pediatrics
Brenner Children's Hospital at Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem provides comprehensive autism evaluations for Forsyth County and the broader Triad region. Academic medical center with developmental-behavioral pediatrics, psychology, and neurology working collaboratively.
Academic medical center with nationally recognized developmental pediatrics team.
Early Intervention (0–3)
Free services for children under 3 under IDEA Part C.
Winston-Salem
Forsyth County Early Intervention / NC Infant-Toddler Program
NC's Part C early intervention program serving Forsyth County children birth to age 3 in Winston-Salem. Free developmental evaluations and in-home services for infants and toddlers with autism concerns or developmental delays. No diagnosis required to begin.
FREE under IDEA Part C. Early intervention is time-sensitive — call as soon as concerns arise.
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Winston-Salem · multi-county
Behavioral Innovations — Winston-Salem
Center-based ABA therapy in Winston-Salem serving Forsyth County children. BCBA-supervised programs with naturalistic teaching approaches. Accepts most commercial insurance under NC's ABA insurance mandate.
NC requires commercial insurance to cover ABA therapy.
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.
Greensboro · multi-county
Autism Society of North Carolina — Greensboro/Guilford
ASNC programming in the Triad region serving Guilford County families in Greensboro and High Point. Parent support groups, social skills programs, adult services, and ASNC's 24/7 statewide crisis support line.
Winston-Salem · multi-county
Autism Society of North Carolina — Winston-Salem/Forsyth
ASNC Triad programming for Forsyth County families in Winston-Salem. Parent support groups, social skills groups, adult services, and ASNC's 24/7 statewide crisis line. Strong coordination with Brenner Children's and Wake Forest Baptist.
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 Parent Training and Information Center serving Rockingham County. Free IEP support, special education rights training, and advocacy for families.
FREE. Federally funded PTI.
Davidson · multi-county
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC) — Forsyth County
NC's PTI provides free IEP advocacy and IDEA rights support to Forsyth County families. ECAC staff can review evaluations, attend IEP meetings virtually, and help families navigate Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools exceptional children services.
FREE. Federally funded PTI.
Davidson · multi-county
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC) — Guilford County
NC's federally funded PTI offers free IEP advocacy and special education support for Guilford County families. ECAC staff are experienced with Guilford County Schools' exceptional children processes and can attend IEP meetings virtually.
FREE. Federally funded PTI. Call before any IEP meeting or dispute.
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.
Charlotte · multi-county
Camp Blue Skies
2820 Selwyn Ave, Box 767, Charlotte, NC 28209
A camp exclusively for adults aged 21 and over with developmental disabilities, built around physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and social skills. Adult-only provision is genuinely scarce, and for many families this is the first thing that exists after school services end.
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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School districts & government services
Public programs and school district contacts for Forsyth County.
School & special education
Services & benefits
- Vaya Health — Forsyth County DD Services
Forsyth County's LME-MCO — manages NC Innovations Waiver intake and DD services.
Adult services
- Vaya Health — Forsyth County DD Services
Forsyth County's LME-MCO — manages NC Innovations Waiver intake and DD services.
Respite & support
- Vaya Health — Forsyth County DD Services
Forsyth County's LME-MCO — manages NC Innovations Waiver intake and DD services.
Helpful guides
Guides for Forsyth 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 Forsyth County
Serving families across Forsyth County including Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Lewisville, Clemmons, Rural Hall, Bethania, Pfafftown, Tobaccoville, Walkertown and Belews Creek 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 Forsyth County, North Carolina?
We list 16 providers serving Forsyth County, covering activities, clubs & recreation, parent & family support, ABA therapy, advocacy & legal and early intervention (0–3), 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.
Where can I find ABA therapy in Forsyth County?
ABA providers serving Forsyth 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.
Can autism therapy happen at home in Forsyth County?
1 provider serving Forsyth County delivers services in the family's home. Many children do better in a familiar setting than in an unfamiliar clinic room, and in-home visits remove the travel burden.
How do I get a free evaluation for a child under 3 in Forsyth County?
Contact Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools EC, the Early Intervention program serving Forsyth 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 Forsyth County?
If none of the Forsyth 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 Forsyth County
These are the things no database has and every parent knows. If you can answer one of them, another family in Forsyth 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 Forsyth County? We'll email you.
One email when we verify a new provider in Forsyth 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 Forsyth 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
Are you a provider serving Forsyth County?
Add your practice so families searching for help can find you. Listings are free.
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