Sure, it’s easy to say that North Carolina is home to a comprehensive and robust network of services and programs designed to guide individuals and families with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But it’s another when statistics back it up.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) most recent data, children in North Carolina receive their first autism diagnosis much earlier than their peers in other U.S. states. Specifically, the median age of the first reliable diagnosis in North Carolina was 3 years and 2 months (38 months), and Maryland is in second place, with a median age of 47 months.
North Carolina recognizes the significance of early intervention in providing autistic children with access to therapies and treatments during critical developmental stages. As you continue to read, you’ll discover how this state leads in therapeutic approaches such as ABA therapy in North Carolina, community-driven resources, and supportive legislation.
North Carolina leads the nation in autism care. At Heartlinks ABA, we take pride in providing ABA services that embody the state’s commitment to early diagnosis, effective treatment, and continued support for children on the spectrum.
Autism Therapies and Support Available in North Carolina
North Carolina offers extensive services and programs to support children and adults on the spectrum. These services have been created to address the different needs of autistic people across their lifespan, from early intervention in childhood to support in adulthood. There is a range of choices for autistic treatment in North Carolina.
Diagnostic Services & Early Intervention
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for children with autism. The Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD), part of the University of North Carolina Medical School, offers comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and subsequent early intervention services that help identify autism at a young age and establish a solid foundation for effective treatment.
Another crucial resource the University offers is the TEACCH Autism Program, which provides clinical services for individuals on the autism spectrum across their lifespan. With seven regional centers across the state, TEACCH provides family consultations, diagnostic services, and parent support groups to help them understand their child’s development.
Therapeutic Services
Most certified and licensed clinicians in the state recognize applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy as the primary and most effective tool for treating autism in children. ABA’s appeal is that it can be customized to help each child with autism address many issues or learn essential life skills, such as decreasing less desirable behaviors, including stimming or aggressive behavior, or learning to emotionally regulate. Families can find numerous ABA agencies in North Carolina, like Heartlinks ABA, that offer these services and provide expert support for autistic children.
Community and Family Support
Families are crucial in supporting children on the spectrum, and North Carolina offers several programs to assist them. For instance, the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) operates support groups, workshops, and summer camps. It also provides critical educational materials to help families navigate the ups and downs of autism. These resources are an integral part of the comprehensive network of autism support in North Carolina, assisting families to feel empowered and connected.
The Family Support Network of North Carolina provides connection and support to families of children who’ve been diagnosed with disabilities, mental health challenges, or unique healthcare needs. They also offer various services, including parent-to-parent mentoring, support groups, workshops, information, and referral services.
Autism Laws in North Carolina
The parents and loved ones of individuals with autism have worked incredibly hard in North Carolina to create a safe and inclusive state for people on the spectrum. In North Carolina, autistic children are protected under several federal and state-specific laws and policies, including the following.
Federal Autism Policies and Laws
The Americans with Disabilities Act
The primary federal law is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which officially recognizes autism spectrum disorder as a disability. The ADA prohibits any form of discrimination against individuals with autism. It guarantees that children and adults on the spectrum have equal rights and opportunities as everyone else in the United States.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
All Americans with disabilities, including autism, are required by law to have access to Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This federal law, which is directly linked to the ADA, was created to guarantee open access to special education and related services to all children and youth with disabilities from birth to age 21.
Autism State Laws
North Carolina also implements state-focused legislation that further defines and regulates access to support services, treatments, and other benefits for autistic children, including the following.
Senate Bill 676
Enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2015, Senate Bill 676 requires health benefit plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As defined in the Senate Bill, coverage includes therapies such as ABA therapy in North Carolina, which is recognized as one of the most effective treatments for autism.
Thankfully, families seeking ABA therapy for kids in North Carolina can now benefit from mandated insurance coverage for children up to age 18, and a licensed psychologist must deem treatment medically necessary. According to the Senate Bill, insurance providers must cover ABA therapy costs up to $40,000 annually. This cap safeguards all North Carolinians with autism and ensures access to essential services while establishing financial limits for insurance companies.
This legislation marked a significant victory for the autism community in North Carolina. Before its enactment, many families endured substantial out-of-pocket costs when trying to access essential autism therapies. With the passage of this bill, families received enhanced insurance support, thereby alleviating financial pressures and opening the doors to treatment for many more children on the spectrum.
Senate Bill 103
In 2021, the North Carolina Senate officially created licenses for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Up until this point, BCBAs had to work directly in connection with licensed psychologists. This made it extremely difficult to find an independent ABA therapist in North Carolina, and when they were located, they were costly. Both factors made it challenging to find medical assistance for an autistic child.
Thanks to the passing of Bill 103, BCBAs can now practice independently and choose from a range of career paths. This change not only improved access to care but also created new employment opportunities, leading to increased availability of North Carolina ABA jobs. The strict certification criteria for BCBAs and RBTs ensure that parents can rest assured that excellent, experienced professionals are treating their children.
Medicaid Policies
According to the 2014 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines, all states must provide coverage for autism treatments, including ABA therapy, for children aged 20 and younger. In conjunction with these federal guidelines, North Carolina law mandates that ABA therapy must be covered if deemed medically necessary. Families can access ABA therapy Medicaid North Carolina services through various state programs designed to support children with autism.
North Carolina Medicaid ABA therapy coverage guarantees that children from eligible families receive essential autism treatment, such as speech or social skill therapy, without facing overwhelming financial burdens.
Supplemental Security Income (SII) Program
North Carolina residents with limited or no income may qualify for a monthly allowance to cover essential living expenses, known as the Supplemental Security Income Program. This can be especially beneficial for parents who have had to leave their jobs to care for their autistic child.
North Carolina & Heartlinks: Leaders in ABA Therapy and Autism Support
North Carolina continues to be a leader in autism care by offering a wide range of services supporting children and families. Whether you’re searching for home-based ABA therapy in North Carolina for customized, one-on-one care or school-based ABA therapy to foster social and academic growth, this state provides flexible and accessible options to meet every child’s needs.
Contact us today for more information on how Heartlinks ABA in North Carolina can help your family.