Asheville Resources
The place to find providers and programs to support your child in the Asheville area. Local providers and families vetted and contributed to this list.
Autistic Voices
Actually Autistic Blogs is a list of blogs created and maintained by adults who have been diagnosed with ASD.
On Instagram:
@Mrsspeechiep– Autistic Speech Language Pathologist, Helping YOU recognize Autism traits and Neuro-affirming support tips
@ Toren.wolf – Teen who shares life with autism/ADHD/ARFID
@ Neurodivergent_lou – Writer, speaker and creator, finding a place as an autistic in a neurotypical world
@ Sensorystoriesbynicole – Neurodivergent advocate and author, helping parents and neurodivergent adults find answers related to their ND struggles
@ Morgaanfoley – Autism | Travel | Arts n crafts
@ Theexpertally – ND-affirming, trauma-informed, friendly IEP & 504 advocate therapist Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, mental health
Adults/Teens
Asheville Parks & Rec Therapeutic Recreation
Feed the Need is a year-round, prevocational training program for teens and young adults (ages 16 and up) on the autism spectrum and similar behavioral needs. At Feed the Need, participants have the opportunity to work on prevocational, social and daily living skills as well as community networking.
WNC Source provides Children, Transportation, Housing, and Adult services.
Advocacy
Embrace Full Spectrum Care – Jillian Levy – create positive relationships with educators, schools, doctors, therapists, and whoever you want on your team to foster collaboration.
Catherine Faherty – Autism Services, Training, and Advocacy – Respecting, Honoring, and Celebrating Neurodiversity
The Autistic Autism Consultant – Kara Nash – empowering individuals to comprehend their physical and mental well-being, aiming to alleviate the stigma, isolation, shame, anxiety, and depression often associated with an autism diagnosis.
Van Winkle Law Firm – Heather Goldstein 828-844-7169. Special needs attorneys/guardianship
Agencies
Autism Society of WNC connects families to resources and provides training to help you become your child’s best advocate.
Arms around ASD provides services for people on the autism spectrum regardless of age, ability or income AND their families, care providers, support staff and other professionals (teachers, doctors, nurses, therapists, etc) who work with them.
Family Preservation Services exists to empower children, teens, and adults to live life to their highest potential. We provide ongoing support & services to those in need, for as long as they need.
North Carolina Early Intervention Branch (NCEI) The Infant-Toddler Program provides support and services for families and their children, birth to three who have special needs.
RHA Health Services. RHA Health Services provides a broad range of services to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health and substance use needs. 828-232-6844
Augmentative Communication
PrAACticalAAC supports a community of professionals and families who are determined to improve the communication and literacy abilities of people with significant communication difficulties. Strategies and videos to learn about AAC and how to implement it in your home or practice.
North Carolina Augmentative Communication Association (NCACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and support to individuals with complex communication needs, their families and the professionals who serve them.
Emily Anne Bennett Lacey, CCC-SLP at Huff Center Therapies 828-213-1725. Emily provides evaluation and treatment for children needing augmentative devices.
PlayTalk&Grow. We have therapists trained in the evaluation and support for alternative communication methods.
Assessments and Testing
Appalachian Counseling and Psychological Services
Asheville Testing specializes in evaluations of ADHD and learning disorders. Chris Mulchay 828-515-1379
CReATE Educational and Neuropsychological Testing provides assessment services for Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders over the past 20 years. CReATE does not bill insurance. They provide a superbill that you may send to your insurance for repayment. 828-231-3297 www.createnc.com
Grandis Evaluation Center provides comprehensive Behavioral Health Assessments for people of all ages. 828.299.7451
Huff Center Therapies provides outpatient pediatric audiology and occupational, physical, and speech therapy 828-213-1740
Matone Counseling & Testing offers a variety of counseling and testing services for children and adults.
TEACCH Autism Program include diagnostic evaluations, treatment planning and implementation, education, consultation, training opportunities, and research. 919-445-7020
Roots Psychology, Robb Durr, Ph.D. (testing only)
Audiology/Hearing Services
Asheville Audiology Services – 828-348-1690
Asheville Head, Neck and Ear Surgeons – 828-254-3517 Buncombe; 828-698-2350 Henderson; 828-884-6702 Transylvania
Carolina Pediatric Therapy – Pediatric Audiology 828-670-8056
Mission Children’s Audiology 828-213-1725
Advent Health ENT – Hendersonville
Behavioral Support
Dayna Lauren Coaching Ph: 954-232-7481 email: dayna@daynalaurencoaching.com
“My therapeutic approach doesn’t just rely on one technique or discipline, but on developing an awareness of how we relate to and experience life. I incorporate a practical and wholistic approach that combines decades of diverse studies and experiences. My goal is to address your unique and special needs, giving you the tools required to fulfill your specific aspirations.”
PBS Positive Behavioral Supports We use the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to conduct quality assessments and behavioral intervention plans.
Case Management
FIRST WNC connects the dots between families, schools, and government agencies to create the best network of support around each of our clients. Janet Price-Ferrell, Director 828-277-1315
Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center: ECAC Western NC office: (800) 962-6817 ecac@ecacmail.org
Care Reach Linking people to resources that help maintain their health, including medications, transportation, food, healthcare, legal services, and more.
Vaya Health Care Management – Member and Recipient Services Line at 1-800-962-9003.
Coaching Services
GRASP, the Global and Regional Autism Spectrum Partnership, is an Autistic and Neurodivergent led 501(c)3 non-profit seeking to improve and enrich the lives of our Autistic peers.
Gifted and Growing – Gordon Smith offers Gifted counseling, Gifted Coaching, and Improv Comedy
Counselors – Adults/Parents/Caregivers
Asheville Counseling & Wellness Center
Kathryn (Ryn) Arrants, MA ET, LPC, RYT, LCAS https://www.mountainhearttherapy.com/
Lauri Burmeister, MA, LPA http://autismpsychologist.com/
Black Mountain Counseling Center
Full Circle Counseling and Wellness, Matt Snyder. Adult & Adolescent services. Hendersonville. 828-222-0401
Counselors/Psychologists/Social Workers
Amanda Sullivan, TEACH Autism Program. (828) 251-6319
Asheville Child Counseling. Lauren Hufnagel, LCSW, clinical social worker, recommended as a play therapist.
Danielle Maxon, LCSW, MSW, Therapy for Spirited & Extraordinary Children CONTACT
Narron MD – Dr Greg Narron and associates (828) 274-1415
Catherine Tucker, PhD, LCMHC-S – Parenting is the hardest job you can have. Some circumstances call for extra support. Find it here.
Karan Kuretsch, LCSW experience working with preschoolers, children adolescents and adults. (828) 548-1062
Jennifer Ann Harr, Clinical Licensed Social Worker (828) 277-1315
Pisgah Institute provides consultation, medication management, and individual psychotherapy. (828) 254-9494
Steven Love, PhD and Elsa Berndt, MA, LPA at Olsen Huff
Crisis Stabilization
Caiyalynn Burrell Child Crisis Center: Daymark Recovery Center is a facility-Based Crisis Service for children and adolescents, ages 6-17, is a service that provides an alternative to hospitalization for an eligible child or adolescent who presents with escalated behavior due to a mental health, intellectual or developmental disability or substance use disorder and requires treatment in a 24-hour residential facility.
C3356 Comprehensive Care Center is a treatment and resource center for mental health services, substance use/addiction recovery support, and support for individuals who have behavioral health needs and co-occurring developmental disabilities. 828-254-2700
Family Preservation Services, Phone: (828) 225-3100 1314F Patton Avenue – Asheville, NC 28806
Mobile Crisis Services – Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania and Yancey Counties 1-888-573-1006
NCDHHS – The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, private and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They will listen and, if you need it, find help nearby for you or someone you know.
Vaya Crisis Management – Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127
Dentists/Orthodontics
ABC Dental Center Hendersonville 828-692-9075
Dennis R. Campbell DDS 828-254-7291
Great Smiles – Dr. Chambers – 828-274-9220
Equine Therapy
Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center 828-675-5814 Burnsville
Free Rein Center for Therapeutic Riding and Education 828-883-3375
Harmony Through Horses Transformative Counseling 828-337-8468
Housing
Blue West Opportunities provides residential, vocational, and supported employment services that offer persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities meaningful experiences focused on the whole person.
Davidson Family Services – Swannanoa. LINCS is a day program for adults, 18 years and older, with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). It is a place where individuals come to develop their habilitation skills to be more independent and to pursue their goals and interests. They receive assistance with their social skills to build friendships as well.
Tenants Rights and Housing Assistance for the Disabled
https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/renters-rights-and-housing-assistance-for-people-with-disabilities
WNC Source provides Children, Transportation, Housing, and Adult services.
Hair Stylists
Sandy at Custom Cuts and Color (828) 298-2887
Veronica Coit at Westside Shears 828-329-9391
Casey Smith at Westside Shears 828-329-9391
Integrative Health Care
Catherine Faherty Autism services, advocacy, and training. Consultations for professionals and families.
Insight Integrative Medicine – Dr. Susan Bradt is wonderful with nutrition consults.
WNC Naturopathic Medicine Dr. Janet Opila-Lehman, ND, OTL.(828) 424-0078
Dr. Sudeshna Dasgupta, MD, MPH
LGBTQIA+
Youth Out RIght we engage and support LGBTQIA+ youth ages 11-20 to be confident, resilient and compassionate community members.
Occupational Therapist
The Family OT Kayla Bryant 828-475-8822
Play Spark Therapy Kylie Jeffery 828.606.8866
Andrea L. Jacobson, MOTR/L, BS ED. otandreajacobson@gmail.com 720-833-8016
Janet Opila-Lehman, OTL. www.WNCNaturopathicMedicine.com
Joy Cadelina, OTD,OTR/L 650-380-0600
APTitude Occupational Therapy – Julianna Norris, OTD, OTR/L www.
Cell: 732-491-9615 Email: juliannacnorris@gmail.com
Other
Autism and Travel https://www.thezebra.com/traveling-autism
Planning a Move with Autism
https://www.yourstoragefinder.com/moving-with-autism
Sleep: Guide to Better Sleep for Kids with Autism
https://www.sleepjunkie.org/autism-and-sleep
Weighted Blankets: Project Linus, Jennifer Alle Haines, a non-profit organization, we provide homemade blankets to children in need.
First Christian Church – Asheville (Disciples of Christ) 470 Enka Lake Rd, Chandler, NC 28715
ChurchFccAvl@gmail.com Contact: Diana Crawford, 828-446-3835
Pediatricians
Blue Sky Pediatrics Dr. Harold Kowa
Olsen Huff Therapies through Mission Hospital
French Broad Pediatrics John Templeton, MD
Asheville Behavioral Health Melissa Thingvoll, MD and Mona Venzon Rice, MD
Prospect Pediatric Behavioral Health Paul Trombley, MD
Programs and Groups
Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) – programs for special needs kids, edu@ashevillescience.org
Arms Around ASD – for Autistic children and families offering Yoga, Meditation, Naturopathic Medicine, Zumba, Massage, Social groups. Contact: Michele Louzon 828-775-8622
Autism Society of North Carolina offers workshops, support groups, advocacy, and services.
Autistics United Asheville based organization celebrating neurodiversity. They host spectrum-wide and all age events throughout the year, provided BY Autistics and FOR Autistics.
Eliada Homes offers high level intervention and prevention services for children and adolescents that focus on social and emotional well being, life skills development, career readiness, and trauma informed treatment.
Family Support Network is a free library, mentoring, workshops, support groups.
Open Hearts Art Center Open Hearts Art Center provides the unique opportunity for differently abled adults to express themselves using a variety of creative avenues.
P.L.A.Y Project provides autism resources for parents in the Asheville, North Carolina area. We provide training and support for families of young (18 months to 6 years) children with autism right in their home.
St Gerard’s House, Hendersonville, provides a wide array of support, training, and consultations to families, caretakers, teachers, therapists, and others who are integral parts of the life of an individual with autism.
TEACCH Autism Program include diagnostic evaluations, treatment planning and implementation, education, consultation, training opportunities, and research. (828) 251-6319
Vaya Health As part of whole-person care, we support members in finding safe, reliable housing. We also believe every individual, regardless of ability, who seeks employment deserves work with dignity.
WeRocktheSpectrum is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and fun environment to foster learning, exploration and safe sensory experiences. Located on Hendersonville Rd.
WNC Source provides Children, Transportation, Housing, and Adult services. Headstart and NC PreK programs.
Recreation/Exercise/SUMMER CAMPS
Blue Ridge Treks is a community of mental health therapists dedicated to enhancing health and wellness in the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Asheville, North Carolina. Our team utilizes a holistic approach that is strengths-based and relationship-centered.
Asheville Parks & Rec Therapeutic Recreation Lori Long LLong@ashevillenc.gov
ARC of Buncombe County offers afterschool and summer programs.
Camp Crinkleroot Through the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness at App State, we offer Camp Crinkleroot, a low-cost day camp held twice a year for children with ASD and their siblings.
Camp Lakey Gap is a week-long residential camp for people with autism. We serve both children and adults, grouped together by age and assigned to different weeks.
Camp Tall Tree provides a traditional overnight summer camp experience. Our program aims to serve kids and young adults on the Autism Spectrum, as well as their siblings and neurotypical peers.
Connect Program is a summer camp in Hendersonville focused on building and polishing social skills for ages 6 to 19. Connect promotes wellness support for all children, regardless of diagnosis, whether the child has a diagnosis on the autism spectrum or other developmental needs.
Full Spectrum Farms, Sylva, NC We are a thirty-four-acre farm where individuals with ASD can live, work, and explore in a safe and encouraging environment.
OSEGA – climbing, falling, bouncing, sensory input
SOAR Summer Camp and GAP Year Program Balsam, NC. We have been working with kids ages 8-25 that have ADHD, ASD1 or other learning differences since 1977. Admissions Director, Caroline Hamilton, caroline@soarnc.org
Talisman Camps: summer camps for neurodiverse children
Respite Services
ARC of Buncombe County 828-253-1255
Caring for Children offers mental health counseling focus and respite services.
Contact Amy Hobson, amy.hobson@caring4children.org; Executive Director at CARING for Children
Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) 828-407-2066 Buncombe; 828-698-0674 Henderson & Transylvania; 828-689-1528 Madison
School resources
Buncombe County Schools Autism Support Services
Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center
Asheville City Schools Phone: (828) 350-6128
Buncome County Phone: 828-255-5921
Anne McGuire (25+ years retired from TEACCH) annemcguireasd@gmail.com
WNC FIRST: PLAY project
Speech Therapy
Play Talk & Grow Speech Therapy
Abby Waller (offering in-home services)
Supported Employment Options
Autism Society of NC Employment Support
Vocational Solutions Allen Jones, Hendersonville
Vocational Training for Adults with Special Needs – article
Annie B`s Homemade Ice Cream – employees autistic and differently abled individuals. 64 Long Shoals Rd, Arden, NC 28704 www.anniebsicecream.com
Swim Lessons
KJ Schroer (678) 525-4284 Swim Gently
Shalene Hill Shalene@singingswimschool.com (828)279-3916 – Please Text
Vision
Asheville Eye Dr. Bashinsky
Vision Source Dr. Audra Lear – South Asheville
A special thank you to Kara Nash, RN and Dr. Janet Opila-Lehman, ND, OTL for the initial creation of this list.
This list was compiled from shared experiences within my community either personally or from my colleagues.