Navigating autism support can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the Nashville area is home to a wealth of autism resources dedicated to helping individuals on the spectrum and their families thrive.
This guide from Ascend Autism highlights key support organizations, educational and therapy services, financial assistance programs, and autism-friendly activities in Nashville. Whether you’re seeking community support or professional services, these resources can make a meaningful difference in your journey.
Autism Support Organizations & Advocacy Groups
Autism Tennessee
Autism Tennessee is a leading nonprofit serving the Middle Tennessee autism community. It offers a dedicated HELPline (615-270-2077, support@autismtn.org) for personalized guidance, support groups, educational workshops, and advocacy initiatives. As the only organization in Middle Tennessee focused exclusively on autism support, Autism Tennessee connects families with resources and champions autistic individuals’ rights.
The Arc Tennessee
The Arc Tennessee is a statewide advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Based in Nashville, it helps families navigate services, understand educational rights, and influence disability policy. The Arc offers individual support (such as help with IEPs and disability services) and programs promoting community inclusion.
Nashville Autism Peer Support (NAPS)
This volunteer-led group provides a safe space for autistic individuals (primarily teens and adults) to find community and social support. NAPS hosts monthly peer meetups where neurodivergent individuals can share experiences and form friendships in an understanding environment. Meetings are typically held at a local community center (often a church or public space), and all autistic individuals (and guardians for those under 18) are welcome.
Family Voices of Tennessee
Family Voices of Tennessee offers parent-to-parent support and can guide families on healthcare and educational services. They connect families with experienced mentors, provide advocacy training, and educate professionals on the importance of family perspectives. Their team, many of whom have personal experience with special healthcare needs, offers informed support for families across all diagnoses and ages.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Operated by Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Tennessee Disability Pathfinder is a free information hotline and an online database to connect Tennessee families with local disability and autism services. They help find everything from therapists to recreational programs across the state.
Special Education & Therapy Providers in Nashville
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center & TRIAD
Vanderbilt University’s Kennedy Center is a nationally renowned autism research and treatment institute. Through its Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD), Vanderbilt offers comprehensive services: diagnostic evaluations, parent training, and behavioral interventions. Families can call Vanderbilt’s Autism Resource Line for help finding appropriate services. TRIAD also provides free workshops for caregivers and works with area schools to improve autism supports.
Preschool for Children with Autism at Vanderbilt
Housed at Vanderbilt’s Bill Wilkerson Center, the Preschool for Children with Autism is an early intervention program for children 18 months to 5 years old with ASD. A multidisciplinary team of speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior analysts, and special educators works daily with each child on communication, social skills, and behavior goals. The program emphasizes building functional communication using evidence-based techniques (including ABA principles) in a therapeutic classroom setting. The program’s schedule is 3 days per week for 3.5 hours per day.
For a more intensive program that offers half-day and full-day options 5 days per week, consider Ascend Autism’s offering (outlined below).
The Edison School
The Edison School is a private K–12 school in the Nashville area tailored for students with neurodevelopmental differences (including autism). With very small class sizes and individualized instruction, Edison offers a nurturing environment for children who struggle in traditional settings. Edison is approved for Tennessee’s Individualized Education Account (IEA) program, meaning families can apply state education funds toward tuition if they qualify.
Illuminate Academy
Illuminate Academy (a nonprofit tutorial program) provides an alternative to conventional school for children with autism and developmental disabilities. Serving ages 3–18, Illuminate Academy focuses on functional academics, communication, and life skills in a low student-to-teacher ratio setting. The program can be a good fit for students who need a highly individualized educational plan outside of a standard classroom context.
Ascend Autism
At Ascend Autism, we offer specialized ABA therapy in Nashville, focusing on individualized, evidence-based treatment plans. Our center-based programs provide structured learning environments, available in both full-day and half-day options, to support meaningful skill development. We emphasize a collaborative approach, equipping parents with strategies to reinforce progress at home while integrating community resources for a well-rounded support system. We help children build communication, social, and daily living skills to enhance their independence and confidence.
Government & Financial Assistance Programs
Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS)
TEIS is a state-funded early intervention program for infants and toddlers up to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Eligible families receive services like in-home therapy, developmental instruction, and family training at no cost. TEIS works with qualified professionals to help young children with autism build crucial skills during the critical early years. Services are provided in the child’s natural environment (home or daycare), coaching parents on techniques to support development.
TennCare & Autism Insurance Coverage
TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program, which many children with disabilities qualify for. TennCare plans cover a range of autism-related services, including therapy and medical care. In addition, Tennessee passed the Autism Equity Act, which mandates certain private health insurance plans to cover autism treatment, such as ABA therapy. This state mandate means that if your policy is regulated in Tennessee, autism therapies should be included (up to certain age and coverage limits). Families should check with their insurer about autism benefits and any required diagnoses or pre-authorizations.
Katie Beckett Program (Medicaid Waiver)
Tennessee’s Katie Beckett Waiver provides financial assistance and Medicaid benefits to children under 18 with significant disabilities or medical needs who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for TennCare due to family income. This program, implemented in recent years, has been life-changing for many autism families. It consists of two parts: Part A offers full Medicaid coverage to children with severe disabilities, and Part B provides a capped package of services (up to $10,000 per year) for children whose needs are less intensive.
Autism-Friendly Locations & Sensory Activities in Nashville
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
The Nashville Zoo is not only a beloved attraction but also a leader in inclusion. The zoo has implemented numerous sensory-friendly accommodations for visitors with autism or sensory needs. They offer complimentary Zooper Packs at the entrance, filled with items like a visual schedule, sensory map, fidget toys, earplugs, ID bracelets, and more to help families have a stress-free visit. A special sensory-friendly map marks high-sensory areas and quiet zones for easy planning. Zoo camp staff take KultureCity Sensory Inclusion Training, making the camps an option for children who may be up for them.
Adventure Science Center
Nashville’s Adventure Science Center is another autism-inclusive venue. The museum offers sensory-friendly planetarium shows with lowered volume and lights for those with sensory sensitivities. It also features the EY Sensory Room, a calming space on the second floor equipped to help visitors who may feel overwhelmed. Sensory bags (with headphones, fidgets, cue cards, etc.) are available to borrow for free.
Nashville Children’s Theatre
The Nashville Children’s Theatre is acclaimed for making theater accessible to all children. All main-stage performances are sensory-friendly and include equipment in a sensory room that can be used while still seeing and hearing performances. The theatre also offers neuro-inclusive performances during which a staff member holds up an orange light before something surprising happens.
Afterschool & Extracurricular Programs
Nashville Dolphins
Nashville Dolphins is a free swim program for children and adults with special needs. Nashville Dolphins offers learn-to-swim classes and swim teams at no cost, with trained instructors and one-on-one “buddies” in the water. It’s a fantastic confidence-builder and a safe way for autistic kids to learn swimming.
YMCA Full Circle Program
The Full Circle Program gives individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities access to classes. Programs include swim lessons, full circle sports, fitness, Friday night socials, and more. The program offers a safe, structured environment where parents can
Helping Families in Nashville Thrive
We hope this overview of autism resources in Nashville proves helpful to you and your family. From nonprofit support groups to world-class medical programs and inclusive community events, Nashville offers so many avenues of support — and your family deserves nothing less.
At Ascend Autism, we are proud to be part of this community and committed to supporting individuals with ASD and their families every step of the way. We provide personalized, evidence-based ABA therapy services in Nashville, with programs tailored to each child’s needs. Our team’s mission is to empower children to make meaningful progress in communication, social skills, and independence while guiding parents and caregivers with compassion and expertise.
We believe that with the right resources and unwavering support, every child can flourish. If you’re curious about how Ascend Autism can help your child reach new heights, we invite you to get in touch.
