County resource guide
Autism Resources in Lee County, North Carolina
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Lee County. North Carolina statewide resources also apply.
Lee County — home to Sanford and Broadway — is a smaller Piedmont county located between Raleigh and Charlotte. Lee County Schools provides Exceptional Children programs. Families often travel to Raleigh or the Chapel Hill-Durham metro for specialized evaluations, including UNC TEACCH. NC Early Intervention is available through the county CDSA, and ECAC provides free IEP advocacy statewide. The NC Innovations Waiver applies statewide — join the waitlist early.
Provider directory
Local Providers28 providers in Lee 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 Lee 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.
Sanford
Central Carolina Hospital — Pediatric Developmental Services
Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford provides pediatric care for Lee County families. Developmental screenings and autism evaluation referrals are coordinated through the pediatric department, with access to UNC Health and Duke specialists in the nearby Research Triangle for comprehensive workups.
Sanford is ~40 miles from Raleigh and Chapel Hill — UNC TEACCH and WakeMed are accessible for complex evaluations.
Early Intervention (0–3)
Free services for children under 3 under IDEA Part C.
Sanford
Lee County Early Intervention Program (NC Infant-Toddler)
North Carolina's Part C Early Intervention program through the CDSA for Lee County. Free in-home developmental evaluations and therapy for children under 3. Eligible children receive speech, OT, and developmental coaching at no cost.
FREE under IDEA Part C. No diagnosis required — call as soon as you have concerns.
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Pinehurst · multi-county
Autism Learning Partners — Pinehurst/Moore County
Autism Learning Partners provides center-based ABA therapy in the Pinehurst and Southern Pines area for Moore County families. BCBA-supervised with individualized programming for communication, social, and adaptive skills. NC Medicaid and commercial insurance accepted under NC's ABA insurance mandate.
NC Medicaid covers ABA for eligible children. NC requires commercial insurance to cover ABA. Moore County ABA waitlists exist — contact multiple providers.
Sanford · multi-county
Autism Learning Partners — Sanford
Autism Learning Partners provides center-based ABA therapy in Sanford for Lee County families. BCBA-supervised programming with individualized support for communication, social, and adaptive skills. NC Medicaid and commercial insurance accepted.
NC Medicaid covers ABA for eligible children. NC requires commercial insurance to cover ABA.
Pittsboro · multi-county
Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center — Chatham County
Hopebridge provides ABA therapy serving Chatham County families. BCBA-supervised with integrated speech and OT services. NC Medicaid and commercial insurance accepted under NC's ABA insurance mandate. Chatham County's growing population includes many families with connections to the Research Triangle's university community.
NC Medicaid covers ABA. NC requires commercial insurance to cover ABA therapy.
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.
~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.
Pittsboro · multi-county
Autism Society of North Carolina — Chatham County
ASNC support for Chatham County families connected to the Triangle area autism community. Parent support groups, crisis support line, and connection to statewide ASNC resources. Chatham County's location between Raleigh and Chapel Hill gives families access to both the Triangle metro autism networks.
Lillington · multi-county
Autism Society of North Carolina — Harnett County
ASNC programming and support for Harnett County families. Parent support groups, crisis support line, and connection to statewide resources. Harnett County families also connect to the Fort Liberty/Fayetteville autism community given proximity to Cumberland County.
Sanford · multi-county
Autism Society of North Carolina — Lee County
ASNC support and programming for Lee County families. Parent support groups, crisis support line, and connection to statewide resources. Lee County's central location gives families access to both the Raleigh and Charlotte metro autism communities.
Southern Pines · multi-county
Autism Society of North Carolina — Sandhills/Moore County
ASNC support for Moore County families in the Pinehurst and Southern Pines area. Parent support groups, crisis support line, and connection to statewide resources. Moore County's retiree-heavy population and destination resort character means providers understand diverse family situations.
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 PTI center serving Lee County with free IEP advocacy and special education rights training. Staff help families navigate Lee County Schools and understand 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 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 Parent Training and Information Center serving Moore County families with free IEP advocacy and IDEA rights training. Staff help families navigate Moore County Schools' EC department and understand their rights. Virtual consultations are available for families across Moore County.
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 and special education support for Chatham County families. Staff help navigate Chatham County Schools and understand rights under IDEA. As Chatham County grows rapidly, more families are navigating special education for the first time.
FREE. Federally funded PTI. Serves all NC counties.
Autism-friendly dentists
Dentists experienced with autistic patients — desensitisation visits, sensory accommodations, and staff who take the time it takes.
Chapel Hill · multi-county
UNC Henson Geriatric and Special Care Clinic
Part of the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, treating patients who are medically, physically or developmentally compromised. The school sees a large share of Medicaid, uninsured and underinsured patients, which matters when special-care dentistry is otherwise a private-pay proposition. Be aware this clinic takes patients by referral only - you will need your dentist or physician to send you.
Referral only. Ask your current dentist or pediatrician to refer rather than calling cold.
Activities, clubs & recreation
Clubs, sports, camps, and social programs that welcome autistic children and teens — inclusive, adaptive, and special-needs specific.
Moncure · multi-county
Camp Royall
Run by the Autism Society of North Carolina at Moncure, and one of the largest autism-specific camps in the country. Crucially it runs year-round rather than only in summer, with weekend and short programs alongside residential sessions, so it is not a once-a-year opportunity you have to win a place in.
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.
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Helpful guides
Guides for Lee 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.
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 Lee County, North Carolina?
We list 16 providers serving Lee County, covering ABA therapy, parent & family support, activities, clubs & recreation, 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 Lee County accept Medicaid?
4 of the providers we list for Lee County state that they accept Medicaid, including Autism Learning Partners — Pinehurst/Moore County, Autism Learning Partners — Sanford, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center — Chatham 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 Lee County?
ABA providers serving Lee 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 Lee County families?
Yes — 1 provider serving Lee County offers telehealth or virtual sessions. This is often the fastest route to support for families in rural areas or on long local waitlists.
Can autism therapy happen at home in Lee County?
1 provider serving Lee 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.
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 Lee County?
If none of the Lee 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 Lee County
These are the things no database has and every parent knows. If you can answer one of them, another family in Lee 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.
- 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?
- Who has managed an eye exam here?
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 Lee County? We'll email you.
One email when we verify a new provider in Lee 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 Lee 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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