New Autism Services Center Coming to Raleigh-Durham

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Cortica, a physician-led, whole-child, value-based autism care company, has launched its first North Carolina center and announced its grand opening event on Oct. 16. The event will take place at 4000 Centregreen Way, Suite 180, in Cary and will include center tours from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m., and a reception to follow.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Raleigh-Durham families to Cortica and provide diagnostic, applied behavioral analysis, developmental therapy, medical, and counseling services, all under one roof,” said Neil Hattangadi, CEO of Cortica, who will attend the grand opening. “At a time when many families in the community are waiting 12 to 18 months for services, we’re able to provide immediate, comprehensive support for families and prevent early intervention delays.”

There is currently no waitlist for diagnostic testing or other services at Cortica’s Cary center, which provides care for children and adolescents up to age 17. The center includes treatment rooms for medical diagnostics and evaluations, as well as indoor and outdoor therapy spaces to enhance functional skills and social-emotional development.

The Cary center’s medical services are led by Dr. Rachel Hughes, a board-certified pediatrician with more than 10 years of experience. Hughes graduated summa cum laude from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. She holds a medical degree from Duke University’s School of Medicine, where she completed a pediatric residency.

Founded to address the fragmented care journey families typically experience when seeking diagnoses and treatments from different providers, Cortica’s integrated autism care model includes medical treatment, neurodiversity-affirming behavioral therapy, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, parent training, and family counseling.

Cortica will launch its second North Carolina center, in Charlotte, on Nov. 11.

“North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services estimates that more than 65,000 people in the state are living with autism,” Hattangadi said. “We’re honored to have an opportunity to improve outcomes for children with developmental differences and help families in Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte thrive.”