For those living in the Athens area, please see below for autism resources.
Diagnostic Resources
The successful navigation of autism starts with an accurate diagnosis. Autism Toolkit has identified diagnostic centers across Georgia that can be trusted to provide concerned families and individuals with an honest assessment and clear next steps. In the Athens area, you can find diagnoses at:
Positive Outcomes Psychological Services
Address: 485 Huntington Road, Suite 201, Athens, GA 30606
Phone Number: 706-546-8440 ex 119
Insurances Accepted: Amerigroup, Peachstate, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United, Cigna, Aetna, Ambetter, Kaiser, Medicaid, Selfpay
Name: University of Georgia School Psychology Clinic
Address: 302 Aderhold Hall 110 Carlton Street Athens, Georgia 30602
Phone Number: 706- 542- 4265
Email: scpsycl@uga.edu
Name: The Banyan Tree
Address: 240 Old Epps Bridge Road Athens, GA 30606
Phone Number:706-850-7041
Name: Jason Nelson, PhD, LLC Psychologist
Address: 3722 Atlanta Hwy, Suite 4 Athens, GA 30606
Phone Number: (706) 612-4947
Email: jasonnelsonphd@gmail.com
Name: Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers
Address: 1272 Virgil Langford Rd Suite 101, Watkinsville, GA 30677
You can find additional locations that can do diagnostic testing by searching for “Diagnosis” on the Directory page of the Autism ToolKit (https://www.autismtoolkit.org/directory/).
Autism Resources
Early Intervention Resources
When autism is detected early in a child’s life, early intervention treatments may have significant impacts on the their development. These treatments take place during the earliest formative years, when a child’s brain is its most “elastic.” Both in-person and remote early intervention services are available.
You can find additional locations that can provide early intervention services by searching for “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Early Intervention Therapies” on the Directory page of the Autism ToolKit (https://www.autismtoolkit.org/directory/).
In-Person Early Intervention
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Name: Applied Behavioral Consulting
Address: 140 Trinity Place, Bldg B, Athens, GA 30607
Phone Number: (770) 609-8777
Email: info@appliedbehavioralconsulting.com
Website: https://www.appliedbehavioralconsulting.com
Insurances Accepted: Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, United Helathcare, Cigna, Medicaid, Ambetter/Peachstate
Type of Therapy Done: ABA, parent training
Where Therapies are Performed: Clinic
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Name: Apollo Behavior / BlueSprig
Address: Athens ABA Center, 1360 Caduceus Way, Building 100 Suite 102, Watkinsville, GA 30677
Phone Number: 404-795-7263
Website: https://apollobehavior.com/services/center-based-aba-therapy/
Type of Therapy Done: ABA, Speech therapy, Occupational therapy
Where Therapies are Performed: Clinic based and remote
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Name: The Bridge of Georgia
Address: 109 Blaine St, 1360 Caduceus Way, Building 100 Suite 102, Monroe, GA 30655
Phone Number: 770-266-3390
Website: https://www.thebridgeofgeorgia.org/applied-behavior-analysis
Type of Therapy Done: ABA, Occupational therapy
Where Therapies are Performed: Clinic based
Remote Early Intervention
You can find additional locations that can do remote therapy using the Early Interventions Services Phone Book.
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Name: BlueSprig
Address: 109 Blaine St, 1360 Caduceus Way, Building 100 Suite 102, Monroe, GA 30655
Phone Number: (762) 499-3476
Website: https://www.bluesprigautism.com/centers/georgia/bluesprig-
Insurances Accepted: Most major insurances
Type of Therapy Done: ABA
Where Therapies are Performed: Center, home, school, virtual
Therapy and Satellite Services
Individuals with autism frequently benefit from various therapy regimens, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and others. The below therapy providers have proven to be skilled in working with patients with autism.
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Name: Right Start Therapy Services
Address: 700 Oglethorpe Ave Suite A2 Athens, GA 30606
Phone Number: (706) 850-4004
Email: Athens@rightstarttherapykids.com
Website: https://rightstarttherapykids.com
Type of Therapy: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Reading program
Where Therapies are Performed: Clinic based
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Name: ABC Pediatric Therapy Partners
Address: 1175 Oglethorpe Avenue Suite B Athens, GA 30606
Phone Number: 706-372-4349
Email: abcpediatrictherapy@charter.net
Website: http://www.abcpediatrictherapypartners.com/about.html
Type of Therapy: Speech Therapy
Where Therapies are Performed: Clinic based and online
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Name: ArrowHead Speech Therapy
Address: 1060 Gaines School Rd A2, Athens, GA 30605
Phone: (706) 680-6734
Email: katie@arrowspeechcompany.com
Website: https://www.arrowspeechcompany.com
Type of Therapy: Speech Therapy
Where Therapies are Performed: Clinic based
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Name: Kidz Play Therapy
Address: 196 Ben Burton Circle, Bogart GA 30622
Phone Number: (678) 205-5437
Website: https://www.kidsplaytherapy.com
Type of Therapy: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
Where Therapies are Performed: Clinic based
Support Services
Throughout Georgia, Autism Toolkit has identified support services that help families and individuals navigate their journey with autism. Below, you’ll find local service providers who offer services ranging from caretaker support groups to occupational training for individuals with autism.
School Services and IEP Assistance
All public and many private schools in Georgia offer special services for students with autism, but navigating the process of securing those services can be difficult. Below are some local resources to help your family identify and secure the school resources to help your student thrive.
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Name: Multiple Choices
Address: 125 Athens West Parkway, Athens, GA 30606
Phone Number: (706) 850-4025
Website: https://multiplechoices.us
Description of Services: School Services and Help with IEPs
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Name: The Bridge of Georgia
Address: 109 Blaine Street, PO Box 542, Monroe, GA 30655
Phone Number: 770-266-3390
Website: https://www.bridgeofgeorgia.org
Description of Services: Our mission is to support students in an inclusive environment and develop their abilities in a multi-faceted approach.
Play Groups and Summer Camps for Kids With Autism
Play is often overlooked as a vital part of childhood development. Local play groups and camps for kids with autism can allow these special children to develop skills ranging from basic motor functions to appropriate social interactions in a safe and monitored setting.
You can find additional summer programs using our “Summer Camps for Autistic Children” list.
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Name: Extra Special People Camp Hooray!
Address: 189 VFW Drive Watkinsville, GA 30677
Phone Number: 706-769-9333
Website: https://espyouandme.org/programs/hooray/
Description of Services: Camp Hooray is designed with accessibility and inclusion at its core. Every participant is welcomed, supported, and paired with a dedicated buddy—ensuring personalized attention, encouragement, and a true sense of belonging. Our 2:1 participant-to-staff ratio means each experience is tailored to the individual, creating a safe, engaging, and empowering environment for all.
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Name: Miracle League
Address: 189 VFW Drive Watkinsville, GA 30677
Phone Number: 706-769-9333
Website: https://espyouandme.org/programs/miracle-league/
Description of Services: The Miracle League is a nationwide organization that removes the barriers that keep individuals with disabilities off the field and lets them experience the joy of playing baseball. The Miracle League is about making new friends, building confidence, and being treated just like other athletes.
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Name: ESP 360
Address: 189 VFW Drive, Watkinsville, GA 30677
Phone Number: 706-769-9333
Website: https://espyouandme.org/programs/360-2/
Description of Services: ESP 360 sparks connection through wrap-around programs and family support. With 360 Afternoon Programs, each individual will get the chance to learn, develop, and refine skills that will help them build confidence, friendships, and independence. There is something for everyone, no matter their ability! Music therapy, crafts, fitness, swimming, bowling.
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Name: LoveCraft Athens
Address: 160-4A Tracy St., Athens, GA 30601
Phone Number: (706) 521-4661
Email: team@lovecraftathens.org
Website: https://www.lovecraftathens.org/programs
Description of Services: creating space for adults with disabilities in our community: through productive, meaningful, and integrated opportunities. Pottery, Music, Workforce development
Autism-Friendly Community Locations
Interaction with one’s community is another vital part of life that can be challenging for those with autism. Below is a list of locations that provide autism-friendly programming, such as sensory hours, recreational sports, creative programs, and buddy-match pairings.
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Name: Athens YMCA Adaptive Swim Lessons
Address: 915 Hawthorne Avenue, Athens, GA 30606
Phone Number: 706-543-6596
Website: https://athensymca.org/adaptive-swim
Description of Services: Music Therapy for children with special needs
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Name: Athens YMCA Music Therapy
Address: 915 Hawthorne Avenue
Athens, GA 30606Phone Number: (706) 543-6596
Website: https://athensymca.org/music-therapy
Description of Services: Recreational and instructional swimming for children ages 5 – 12 with special needs. Classes meet Mondays or Wednesdays with times starting at 5:15PM and 6:15PM. Lessons are 45 minutes in length and are one-on-one instruction with our swim instructors
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Name: Special Olympics Bowling
Address: Showtime Bowl
Phone Number: 706-613-3800
Website: https://www.accgov.com/2588/Special-Olympics-Bowling
Description of Services: Individuals with cognitive disabilities, age 21 and older
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Name: Athens Clarke County ACC Therapeutic Recreation
Website: https://accgovga.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29839
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ACCTherapeuticRec
Description of Services: ACC Leisure Services offers Therapeutic Recreation programs, services, and activities that are accessible to all individuals with disabilities. ACCLS supports and encourages opportunities for inclusion in all programs. In addition, adaptive programs are available to provide individuals with disabilities a modified experience for recreational success.
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Name: Aerie Experiences
Phone Number: 404-285-0467
Email: mdweneta@aerieexperiences.com
Website: https://aerieexperiences.com
Description of Services: Adventure based therapeutic experiences for individuals with autism. Activities include respite weekends, Lake weekends, horse camp, kayaking
Support Groups for Parents and Caretakers
You can’t pour from an empty glass. As a caretaker for an individual with autism, you need to take care of yourself, as well as for your loved one. Local support groups are a great way to share your concerns and learn from others, while connecting with others who are in similar situations.
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Online Facebook support groups:
Respite Care and Day Programs
We cannot stress this enough: it is normal and healthy to need some time for yourself. Respite care and day programs allow you to get that much-needed time away from the rigors of caretaking by providing short-term care for your loved one while you reset and recharge.
You can find additional locations that can do respite services and day programs by searching for “Respite Services and Day Programs” on the Directory page of the Autism ToolKit (https://www.autismtoolkit.org/directory/).
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Name: Advantage Intellectual and Development Disabilities
Street Address: 126 Barrington Drive, Athens, GA 30605
Phone Number: (706) 389-6789
Website: https://www.advantagebhs.org/
Services Offered: Family Support & Respite – Individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in their natural homes may receive assistance with purchasing specialized medical supplies, equipment, environmental modifications, vehicle adaptation, and other services as determined by client and family needs. Individuals may receive respite services on a planned and/or emergency basis.
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Name: Help at Home
Street Address: 1431 Capital Ave, Suite 111, Watkinsville, GA 30677
Phone Number: (706) 850-1971
Email: jsexton@helpathome.com
Website: https://www.helpathome.com/location-finder/athens/
Services Offered: We are a home care and residential care provider who offers care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to meet your specific needs.
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Name: Hope Haven
Address: 795 Newton Bridge Rd, Athens, GA 30607
Phone Number: 706-548-4361
Website: https://hopehaven.net/services/home-services/
Description of Services: Community Residential Alternative Services and Community Living support services
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Name: Advantage Behavioral Health Systems Adult Day Programs
Street Address: 195 Miles St
Phone Number: (706) 369-5745
Website: https://advantagebhs.org/adult-day-programs/f
Insurance: Medicaid, Medicare B, Peachcare, Amerigroup, Wellcare, Cenpatico, BCBS, United Health Care
Services Offered: Adult Day Program Psychosocial rehab
Transitional Skills Services
As an individual with autism grows to adulthood, transitioning out of their parents’ or guardians’ care and into independence can be scary. Transitional skills services are designed to help participants acquire the socialization and adaptive skills needed to manage day-to-day life.
You can find additional locations that can help with transitional skills by searching for “Independent Living Skills” on the Directory page of the Autism ToolKit (https://www.autismtoolkit.org/directory/).
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Name: Athens Vocational Rehabilitation
Address: 125 Athens West Parkway, Athens, GA 30606
Phone Number: (844) 367-4872
Website: https://gvs.georgia.gov/locations/athens-vr-office
Description of Services: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) is a process designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, maintain, or regain employment
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Name: Multiple Choices Independent Skills Training and Work Support
Address: 125 Athens West Parkway Athens, GA 30606
Phone Number: (706) 850-4025
Website: https://multiplechoices.us/services/
Description of Services: Independent living skills training
Job Training and Employment Services
Autistic adults can benefit from programs that provide workplace coaching, skill-building, and job placement support. The resources below connect individuals to programs offering training, internships, and employment opportunities tailored to their needs.
You can find additional locations that can help with job training and employment by searching for “Job Skills Training and Employment Assistance” on the Directory page of the Autism ToolKit (https://www.autismtoolkit.org/directory/).
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Name: Advantage Behavioral Health Systems
Street Address: 195 Miles St
Phone Number: (706) 369-5745
Website: https://www.advantagebhs.org/
Insurance: Medicaid, Medicare B, Peachcare, Amerigroup, Wellcare, Cenpatico, BCBS, United Health Care
Services Offered: Job Skills training
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Name: Athens Vocational Rehabilitation
Address: 125 Athens West Parkway
Athens, GA 30606Phone Number: (844) 367-4872
Website: https://gvs.georgia.gov/locations/athens-vr-office
Description of Services: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) is a process designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, maintain, or regain employment
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Name: Hope Haven Supported Employment
Address: 795 Newton Bridge Rd, Athens, GA 30607
Phone Number: 706-548-4361
Website: https://hopehaven.net/services/supported-employment/
Description of Services: With our Supported Employment services, we help you discover the type of work you would like, learn the skills needed, and then hit the street to find the right place to work!
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Name: LoveCraft Athens Workforce Development
Address: 160-4A Tracy St
Athens, GA 30601Phone Number: (706) 521-4661
Email: team@lovecraftathens.org
Website: https://www.lovecraftathens.org/crew-in-the-community
Description of Services: Love.Craft Athens’ number one goal is to promote and foster INTEGRATION of adults with disabilities throughout our community. We work with local business owners to successfully connect them with our Crew.
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Name: Java Joy
Address: 189 VFW Drive Watkinsville, GA 30677
Phone Number: 706-769-9333
Email: jjathens@espyouandme.org
Website: https://javajoy.org/home/athens-location/
Description of Services: Java Joy was born in Athens, GA; we’re the original! In 2013, esp launched the Bouncin’ Bean coffee counter to provide vocational training to adults with disabilities.
Housing Options for Autistic Adults
Supportive housing helps autistic adults live safely and independently. Options include group homes, supervised apartments, and independent living with periodic assistance, often paired with life skills coaching and community support.
You can find additional locations that can assist with finding residential options by searching for “Residential Services and Assisted Living” on the Directory page of the Autism ToolKit (https://www.autismtoolkit.org/directory/).
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Name: Hope Haven
Address: 795 Newton Bridge Rd, Athens, GA 30607
Phone Number: 706-548-4361
Website: https://hopehaven.net/services/home-services/
Description of Services: Community Residential Alternative Services and Community Living support services
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Name: Multiple Choices
Address: 125 Athens West Parkway, Athens, GA 30606
Phone Number: (706) 850-4025
Website: https://multiplechoices.us
Description: residential services and assisted living
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Name: ResCare Community Living
Address: 1551 Jennings Mill Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677
Phone Number: (706) 549-0349
Website: https://rescarecommunityliving.com/our-services/
Type of Housing: Group homes, intermediate care, host home program, home and community based services
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Name: Advantage Behavioral Health Systems
Street Address: 195 Miles St
Phone Number: (706) 369-5745
Website: https://advantagebhs.org/residential-services/
Insurance: Medicaid, Medicare B, Peachcare, Amerigroup, Wellcare, Cenpatico, BCBS, United Health Care
Services Offered: Semi-independent and transitional housing, housing support programs, short-term respite programs