Resources for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Many Tennessee agencies provide disability information and referral services. The Council on Developmental Disabilities worked with the John F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development at Vanderbilt University to create an internet community for families and professionals/service providers seeking disability resources. A few clicks on the free website http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/tnpathfinder/ can locate disability information in each Tennessee county and explore Tennessee’s many organizations offering essential services, information and networking opportunities. In addition, information and referral services are available in English and in Spanish from the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder Office by calling toll-free l-800-640-INFO (4636); or (615) 322-8529.

State Resources:

The following are State agencies that play important roles in providing assistance for individuals with autism spectrum disorders in Tennessee.

The Council on Developmental Disabilities provides funding for the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder office, including an internet community for families seeking disabilities resources: http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/tnpathfinder/, and promotes public policies to increase and support the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in their communities. The Council works with public and private groups across the State to find necessary supports for individuals with disabilities and their families and encourages individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to play decision-making roles in policies and programs.
The Department of Health is the lead agency for the Children’s Special Services Program, and includes a medical services component, a care coordination component, and a parent network component, which serves children from birth to age twenty-one (21).
The Division of Mental Retardation Services (DMRS), within the Department of Finance and Administration, administers the Family Support Program (FSP). Currently, people with either a developmental disability or severe disability are eligible for services through the FSP. Support services in this program include, but are not limited to, respite care, personal assistant services, child care, homemaker services, minor home and vehicular modifications, specialized equipment, transportation services and health-related costs not otherwise covered. For further information regarding the program, click on the link above.
The Division of Special Education in the Department of Education oversees the provision of special education services made available to children with disabilities by local education agencies. Children with disabilities are entitled by Federal Law to receive services necessary to provide a free, appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.
The Office of Early Childhood Programs, within the Division of Special Education of the Department of Education, serves as the lead agency for Tennessee’s Early Intervention System (TEIS), a network of nine district offices that access early intervention services statewide through collaborative agreements with the following state agencies: Division of Mental Retardation Services, Department of Education, Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Department of Health, and Department of Human Services. A Parent’s Guide to TEIS is available on the agency’s website.
The Department of Finance and Administration administers the TennCare Program. TennCare contracts with managed care organizations and behavioral health organizations to provide medically necessary services to those individuals enrolled in TennCare. The TennCare Children’s Page provides information about the early screening benefits paid by TennCare. The Long-term Care Division page provides contact information for people in need of long-term care.
The TennCare Partners Program administers behavioral health benefits for people of all ages. TennCare contracts with behavioral health organizations to provide medically necessary behavioral health services to those enrolled in TennCare.
The Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities guides the planning process for developmental disabilities services, provides information and referral for individuals with developmental disabilities and provides funding for the Tennessee Respite Network.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is the lead agency for Disability Determination, Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the Tennessee Technology Access Project. The Tennessee Disability Determination Services (DDS) operates by agreement between the State of Tennessee and the Social Security Administration to process Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability claims. The DDS strives to provide all persons applying for disability benefits with an accurate decision, processing their claim promptly. Vocational Rehabilitation Services provides services to people with disabilities seeking employment as well as students with disabilities transitioning from school to work. The Tennessee Technology Access Project (TTAP) is a statewide program designed to increase access to, and acquisition of, assistive technology devices and services. Through it’s core programs: Alternative Financing, Device Demonstration, Device Loan and Device Reutilization, TTAP and a network of five assistive technology centers help people with disabilities and their families find and get the tools that they need to live independent, productive lives.
The Department of Children’s Services provides information and assistance to individuals caring for children with disabilities who are at risk of entering state custody, who are in state custody, or who are eligible for adoption.
The Commission on Aging and Disability is the lead agency for a Statewide Home and Community-Based Service Waiver (HCBS) that serves the elderly and persons with disabilities. This Waiver is intended to provide a community-based, cost-effective alternative to institutional nursing facility care for individuals who are eligible for level 1 nursing home care. The Commission on Aging and Disability serves as the administrative lead agency for the Waiver, which is administered under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration, Bureau of TennCare. For further information regarding the Statewide Home and Community-Based Service Waiver, please click on the link above or call the following toll-free number: 1-866-836-6678.

Other Resources:

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) is dedicated to improving assessment and treatment services for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families while advancing knowledge and training. TRIAD programs address community needs for cutting-edge information, high-quality support, and innovative interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. TRIAD’s specialized outreach staff provides training and direct consultation in state-of-the-art behavioral and educational assessment and intervention strategies in schools throughout the region. Its services include the Parent Support and Education Program, a clinic serving families with young children with ASD, and a summer social skills camp for children and youth. Contact TRIAD at (615) 936-1705 or TRIAD@vanderbilt.edu for answers to questions or to receive information about available services, training, and research. You may also visit: http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/kennedy/triad/.
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Family Outreach Center provides families with a single point of entry into the many services and supports of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, and the community, including research projects, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Behavior Analysis Clinic, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Reading Clinic, social work services, sibling support groups, parent support group for Spanish-speaking families and recreational and arts programs. Email: familyoutreach@vanderbilt.edu or phone: (615) 936-5118 for information. Find research studies related to Autism by visiting the Vanderbilt Kennedy Study Finder at http://kc.Vanderbilt.edu/studyfinder or call (615) 936-0448.
The Autism Society of America (ASA) is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact. The Society and its chapters share a common mission of providing information and education, and supporting research and advocating for programs and services for the autism community.
The Autism Society of Middle Tennessee is the voice of the autism community in Middle Tennessee. Monthly workshops, orientations, annual conferences, support groups, referral to local resources, phone support, educational and legislative advocacy, public awareness opportunities and trainings, and an active involvement in the larger disability community are some of the ways they serve the Middle Tennessee autism community.
Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and the private sector to listen to concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an autism information center that has up-to date information regarding public health and the Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Cure Autism Now Cure Autism Now (CAN) is an organization of parents, clinicians and leading scientists committed to accelerating the pace of biomedical research in autism through raising money for research projects, education and outreach. The organization's primary focus is to fund essential research through a variety of programs designed to encourage innovative approaches toward identifying the causes, prevention, treatment and a cure for autism and related disorders.
KidsHealth provides doctor-approved, up-to-date health information about children from before birth through adolescence in a format that is easy to read and understand. The information is presented at three levels: one for parents, for teens and for children.
The National Institute of Mental Health Autism Page contains up-to-date information regarding treatment, available resources and latest research for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.