This page gathers autism and disability resources for families in Davidson County, Tennessee. You'll find 16 local resources listed here, alongside Tennessee statewide programs and nationwide services, all verified and in one place. For children under three, Tennessee's starting point is the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS); for school-age children, special education and IEPs run through your local school district. Confirm details directly with each provider.
Diagnosis & Early Intervention
Getting an evaluation and accessing early services.
Free CDC milestone checklists and a Milestone Tracker app help you follow your child's development from 2 months to 5 years, so you know what to watch for and when to act. A gentle first step when you're unsure whether to seek an evaluation.
This state council, attached to the Department of Disability and Aging, helps shape Tennessee's system of care for people on the autism spectrum and their families, from early intervention and healthcare to adulthood. It's a good starting point for understanding state autism programs and connecting to help.
TEIS is Tennessee's free, statewide program that provides developmental evaluations and early intervention services (like speech, occupational, and physical therapy) for babies and young children with delays or disabilities. Anyone can make a referral, and a TEIS evaluator will reach out to set up your child's evaluation at no cost.
Based in Memphis, this university center offers interdisciplinary diagnostic evaluations for children suspected of having autism or other developmental disabilities. Their team assesses each child's needs and helps families understand next steps.
TRIAD at Vanderbilt provides comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations for children up to age 18, along with parent training and support. As one of the nation's leading autism centers, they also offer telehealth evaluations to reach families across Tennessee.
Siskin's developmental pediatricians provide autism evaluations and diagnoses for children roughly 18 months to 8 years old at their Nashville location. New patients come through a referral from your child's pediatrician.
Based at Vanderbilt's Peabody College, this program serves Davidson County families with children birth to age three who qualify for TEIS. Their interventionists come to you and provide developmental therapy right where your child lives and plays.
The Autism Clinic at Vanderbilt evaluates children when there are concerns about development or behavior and, if autism is the cause, sends families home with a clear action plan for next steps. Their developmental medicine team sees children in Nashville.
School & IEP Rights
IEPs, 504 plans, special education, and school advocacy.
Every state has a federally funded Parent Training & Information Center offering free help with IEPs, special-education rights, and early intervention. This hub's directory locates the center that serves your state.
A national nonprofit protecting the rights of students with disabilities. Use their member directory to find a special-education attorney or trained advocate near you when you need help with an IEP or a dispute with a school.
Every state has a federally mandated Protection & Advocacy agency that offers free legal help when a school isn't following your child's IEP or evaluating them as required. This directory connects you to the office serving your area.
Disability Rights Tennessee is the state's official protection and advocacy agency, offering free legal help when a child's rights are violated, including special education, IEP and 504 plan implementation, and behavior interventions at school. They serve families in all 95 counties.
Family Voices of Tennessee, a program of the Tennessee Disability Coalition, connects parents of children with disabilities to peer mentors who have walked the same path and can help you navigate school systems and advocate for your child. They offer guidance, resources, and a caring community.
The state's Department of Education special education page gathers official guidance on IEPs, evaluation and eligibility, parental rights like prior written notice, and how to resolve disagreements with your school. It's a helpful reference when you want to know what the state requires.
TNSTEP is Tennessee's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, and their staff will help you understand your child's special education rights and prepare for IEP and 504 meetings. All of their support, training, and one-on-one guidance is free for families across the state.
This free Nashville program gives parents advocacy and legal representation to help children with disabilities in Metro Nashville Public Schools get the support and quality education they deserve. They can step in when your child is facing suspension, missing services, or struggling with their IEP.
A program of the Tennessee Disability Coalition, Family Voices connects Nashville-area families to trusted training and guidance on special education rights, IEPs, and school transitions. It's a warm starting point when you're not sure where to turn.
Therapy & Treatment
ABA, speech, OT, and finding the right providers.
You matter too. Psychology Today's therapist finder filters for 'caregiver stress' and 'autism family,' and Open Path Collective offers reduced-cost therapy sessions nationwide. You cannot support your child well without also supporting yourself.
A free, multilingual statewide helpline run by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center that helps families find autism diagnostic services, therapy providers, and community programs near them. Now the home of Vanderbilt's former Autism Resource Line, staff can help you navigate next steps in English, Spanish, and other languages.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center provides comprehensive speech-language evaluations, individual therapy, and parent training for children with autism, plus birth-to-three early intervention. A university clinic focused on language development and social-communication skills.
A Nashville nonprofit offering ABA and speech therapy for children through age 8, plus diagnostic evaluations and a toilet-training program. They provide individualized, compassionate care and work with major insurers.
A university-based autism institute in Nashville offering diagnostic evaluations, parent workshops, and guidance for families whose child has or may have autism. It's one of the region's most trusted places to start when you're seeking answers.
Financial Assistance & Benefits
Medicaid waivers, SSI, ABLE accounts, and legal aid.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money tax-free without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility. This center compares every state's ABLE program so you can pick the best one for your family.
A state savings and investment program that lets Tennesseans with disabilities set aside money tax-free for things like housing, therapy, transportation, and education without losing SSI or Medicaid. Opening an account is a simple way to plan for your child's future while keeping the benefits you already rely on.
Tennessee's Medicaid (TennCare) waiver for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, that helps with employment, personal assistance, respite, and living independently in the community. Your regional Department of Disability and Aging office can help you complete a self-referral.
A TennCare program for children under 18 with significant disabilities or complex medical needs whose families don't qualify for Medicaid because of income. It can provide full Medicaid benefits or up to $10,000 a year in flexible services like respite and supportive care, so your child can be cared for at home.
A state-funded program that helps families caring for a loved one with a severe disability at home, offering up to $6,000 a year toward respite care, equipment, home modifications, and other supports. Local agencies across all 95 counties can walk you through applying, and there's no cost to families.
Tennessee's Medicaid program for children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, covering supports like personal assistance, respite, and help finding and keeping a job. This is the main waiver families apply to now, since the older DDA waivers are closed to new enrollment.
This nonprofit offers free civil legal help to lower-income families in Davidson County, including problems with Social Security, SSI, and other public benefits. If a benefit is denied or cut, they may be able to help you appeal.
Support Groups & Community
Find your people, in person and online.
The nation's oldest grassroots autism organization. Their National Helpline connects families to information and referrals, and their affiliate finder points you to a local chapter in your area for in-person support and events.
The largest national community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Local chapters offer advocacy, family support, and lifelong services. Use the chapter finder to locate the office nearest you.
Dial 2-1-1 (or visit 211.org) to reach a free, confidential referral line for local health and human services in almost every US community, including disability services, respite, food, housing, and financial assistance.
This East Tennessee chapter builds connection and belonging through inclusive social events, its Social Scene program, education, and family resources. A warm place to meet other families and find community.
Tennessee's leading autism nonprofit offers a free HELPline plus family support and social groups, including a dads group, a sibling group, and a Spanish-language Familias Latinas group. Reach out for one-on-one guidance and a welcoming community.
Serving Southeast Tennessee, this center promotes inclusion and acceptance while offering therapy, education, music programs, and community resources for autistic individuals and their families. A welcoming local hub in the Chattanooga area.
This statewide coalition helps family caregivers take a much-needed break through its Respite Voucher Program, which reimburses respite care for loved ones of any age or disability. Call their helpline to learn what support is available.
Vanderbilt's autism institute offers free Families First workshops for caregivers of young children, online caregiver training, and printable tip sheets. A trusted university source for practical, evidence-based family support.
Nashville's Metro Parks has run supervised recreation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 40 years, with day programs, sports, swimming, and Special Olympics training at the Centennial Sportsplex. Space is limited, so call ahead to register or join the waiting list.
Special Olympics Tennessee offers year-round sports training and competition in Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, including a Nashville-area program and a Young Athletes program for kids ages 2 to 7. It's a joyful way to build friendships, confidence, and community.
Full Circle gives children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities free access to adaptive swim, sports, fitness, an adult day program, and monthly Friday-night socials at Nashville-area YMCAs. Families start with a short intake form and program staff follow up to help you enroll.
Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning
Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.
A neurodivergent employment agency offering job support nationwide over Zoom: resume building, mock interviews, and career guidance, plus direct outreach to employers to help secure placements. Supports neurodivergent individuals roughly ages 16 to 50, and has been in business over 15 years.
A trusted statewide resource that explains your options for supporting an adult child's decisions, from supported decision-making and power of attorney to conservatorship, special needs trusts, and ABLE accounts. Trained staff can answer questions and connect you with legal help as you plan for the future.
Free state services that help teens and adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job, including job coaching, interview practice, and pre-employment help for high school students getting ready to transition. A great first stop when your son or daughter starts thinking about work.
Middle Tennessee's Center for Independent Living in Nashville offers transition support for young adults leaving high school plus information and referral for adults building independent lives. Their services are free and person-directed.
A Nashville nonprofit trust company that serves as conservator and manages special needs and pooled trusts for people of all ages with disabilities. A trusted option for parents planning who will manage care and finances down the road.
A Davidson County government office that supports families and appointed conservators making decisions for an adult who cannot fully manage their own care or finances. They help guide you through the conservatorship process locally.
Tennessee's disability agency funds supported employment, job coaching, and community day programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A good starting point when a young adult is aging out of school services.
A note on these listings. This directory is informational and not an
endorsement. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility change, so always confirm details
directly with the provider before relying on them. Nothing here is medical or legal advice.
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