Resources
Special Needs Support
Here are some resources for families with children, who have special needs.
Allergies | Autism | Down Syndrome | Other Support
NC FACES (Food Allergic Children Excelling Safely) offers social and emotional support for families dealing with food allergies in the Triangle area. The group offers playdates, parents meetings and other special events.
The Autism Society of North Carolina was founded in 1970 by parents who were concerned about the lack of services for their children. It now has nearly 40 active chapters across the state and three affiliates.
We Belong Inc. is a Cary-based nonprofit that meets monthly to offer parents of children with autism support, resources and education. The group also works to raise awareness and advocate for individuals with autism.
Contact: (919) 380-8184
TEACCH Autism Program is an evidence-based service, training and research program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for individuals of all ages and skill levels with autism spectrum disorders.
The Mariposa School for Children with Autism in Cary provides year-round, one-on-one instruction to children with autism. The school's Web site offers several online resources as well.
The Triangle Down Syndrome Network provides information, education and support for families and individuals with Down Syndrome.
Able to Serve is a local non-profit based in Garner that provides opportunities for people of all ages with special needs through programs and services, including a computer learning center, van transportation services, community partnerships and a local ministry network. The group primarily serves Wake and Johnston counties, but works in other counties when resources allow.
The Arc is the world's largest community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There are several local groups.
The Arc of North Carolina
The Arc of Johnston County
The Arc of Orange County
The Arc of Durham County
The Arc of Wake County
Family Support Network of North Carolina promotes and provides support for families with children who have special needs. The group's Web site includes a free directory of resources and many other services. There also are several local programs in the Triangle.
Together We Grow: North Carolina Early Intervention Services provides support for children from birth to age five and their families.
Wake Special Education PTA is a Wake County district-wide PTA that connects parents and educators of children receiving special education services from preschool through high school.
Special Needs Advisory Council of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools works to ensure that parents, teachers and others work together to help students with special needs.
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center is a non-profit group that provides information and resources to the families of children with disabilities in North Carolina.
Special Olympics North Carolina provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Go here to find a program near you.
Voices Together organizes choruses and social groups that bring teens and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities together. The nonprofit is based in Chapel Hill.
The Cary-based Miracle League of the Triangle provides opportunties to all children with special needs to play baseball regardless of their abilities.
Health, Hoops and Hope provides free recreational activities for children ages 3 to 21 with life threatening illnesses. The children typically are suffering from cancer, sickle cell anemia, lymphoma, diabetes, asthma and other chronic illnesses. Siblings can also participate.
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