Memphis Autism Resources

This Memphis Autism Resources list was originally compiled by Suzanne when a mom was looking for recommendations for Memphis Autism Resources to help her with her son, who was diagnosed with Aspergers.

Doctors and Specialists

Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities
711 Jefferson Avenue

• In my search for a doctor, I found there is a dept at UT Boling Center that specializes in dealing with Aspergers. 448-6579.
• We have been seeing Dr. Palmer @ UT Boling for 7 years and have been happy, we have also seen Dr. Susan McChesney @ Semmes-Murphey whom we liked very much as well. I am not a fan of Dr. Vickie Brewer but many others have seen her and have been happy with the outcome and the direction she provided. For a neurologist, there are many but we see Dr. Eastmead, who specializes in developmental neurology and also treated my ex-husband for Tourettes, anxiety, and OCD when he was a child. He was very knowledgeable about the avenues of help and support in the Memphis area. For a regular pediatrician that is “autism-friendly”, we like Dr. Joel Segal @ Laurelwood Pediatrics. Again just very impressed with the staff from front to back there.

Programs & Preschools

Transformations Autism Treatment Center
6761 Stage Rd. Bartlett
I work at Transformations Autism Treatment Center (in the Bartlett area).. we provide applied behavior analysis services for individuals with autism & Aspergers. it’s a really great place

ABA Development
7953 Stage Hills Boulevard
(901) 634-8005 Email here

• Jenni Helms runs The ABA Place in Bartlett. I have only met Tracy @ Transformations once but really liked her and have a friend whose sister works there and he speaks highly of the stuff they are doing there. Kyle is high functioning and we have always taken the ABA approach and have had success with it. There are so many more avenues of resources and help out there today than there was even 5-6 years ago. Good luck on your search.
• ABA Development offers a variety of ABA-based therapy programs to children with autism or similar conditions, addressing challenges in the following areas: Behavior, Communication, Daily living, Social skills, Academics. We offer social skills classes on Monday, Friday, and Saturday and holiday/school break camps. 

SRVS (formerly Special Kids and Families)
Play-Do-Learn Preschool (18 mo – 3 yrs) 4738 Walnut Grove
Pediatric Therapy Center 2965 N Germantown Rd, Bartlett

• Special Kids and Families has Early Intervention, Preschool and Social Skills available for children with Autism. They have a Board Certified ABA therapist on staff who can provide services in your home, at the therapy canter or at a preschool program. She sees children of all ages.
• Special Kids and Families has an excellent preschool at Independent Presbyterian Church with a 3 to 6 year old class. 

Harwood Center
711 Jefferson Ave
6560 Poplar (within MJCC)
8500 Walnut Grove (within Hope Presbyterian Preschool)
454 West Poplar Avenue (inside Collierville United Methodist)

•  I have had two of my children attend The Harwood Center….downtown location. I was extremely happy with the services that they both received!…At 3 yrs old, both my children transitioned into the Shelby County School system. I was also very pleased with services that we received.
  
•  Loved Harwood! Take the spot if you get one! All locations are wonderful–everyone I know that has ever needed them has had huge amounts of praise for Harwood.

Nicole Bichelman
I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and provide in home behavior services and write ABA therapy programs for children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities: Nicole Bichelman, MA, BCBA 901-240-4157 Nbichelman@gmail.com

Holy Rosary Catholic School
Angel Program Preschool, ages 3-7

• Angel Program at Holy Rosary is amazing!
• Holy Rosary has an amazing program embraced by the entire school.
  
• Agreed! Outstanding Program for children on the Autism Spectrum! Holy Rosary Angel/Halo Program embraced our son. The trained teachers have done wonders to ensure our son’s continued progress in school. We recommend them highly! There is a waiting list. Suggest taking a tour.

Buntyn Preschool
S.E.E.D. (Spectrum Educational Enrichment & Development) Program, ages 3-6
Look also at Buntyn PreSchool at their program Seed it has made a world of difference for my son

Specialized Learning Center
600 S. Perkins
Tutoring to ages 5+ including ADD, Autistic and other special needs

Jewish Family Services
6560 Poplar Ave
Educate Memphis has multiple programs for children and families on the autism spectrum. We are a non-profit United Way agency serving the Memphis community. Services include: Social Skills, Individual and Group programs, After School Program, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Parent Support, Sibling Support, ABA Therapy, Psychological testing, Emotional Intelligence, Social Groups, Liaison with schools

Support Groups

Autism Society of the Mid-South 
monthly Family Support Nights (with a Lego Club and more) and other special events as well as community resources

Special Needs Moms of Memphis
A Facebook group. They try to get together once a month.

Hope Church

• If you’re looking for a church, Hope Church in Cordova has a great special kids program to meet other families.
• Hope Church also has a special needs classroom in Adventureland and a special needs Easter Egg Hunt every year for anyone who may need it. Also sponsors an Autism 5k Walk in September. Great church anyway but definitely has a lot to offer in the special needs dept 🙂

Sleeping Guide
Lastly, try reading this article that talks about autism and sleep.