Autism Resources in Blue Ridge, Georgia

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-Clinic Early Intervention

In-clinic early intervention services are services that are done at a clinic that has a brick-and-mortar address.  These are services where you would drive your child to a specific location to receive treatment.

Remote Early Intervention

Remote early intervention services includes services that are done in-home, in-school, in-community, or virtually.  To receive these services, a technician will go to where your child is, or you and your child will receive services using a computer or tablet.

If you would like to find additional options for remote or in-home early intervention therapies, please visit: https://www.autismtoolkit.org/resource/the-early-intervention-phone-book/ .

Therapy and Satellite Services

Individuals with autism often benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, feeding therapy, and others.

Support Services

Throughout Georgia, Autism Toolkit has identified support services that help families and individuals navigate their autism journey. 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.

Summer Camps for Kids and Adults 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.

If you would like to see a complete list of summer camps that work with autistic kids, teens, and adults, please see our Summer Camps for Autistic Kids list: https://www.autismtoolkit.org/resource/summer-camps-for-autistic-kids/

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.

Respite Care and Day Programs

Respite services and day programs give caregivers time to rest and recharge while providing autistic people with opportunities to make friends, build relationships, and develop new skills.

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/).

Transitional Skills Services

As an autistic person 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/).

Schools for Autistic Students

Schools for kids with disabilities and/or autism often have smaller class sizes, specially trained teachers and therapists, individualized teaching methods, and sensory-friendly environments.  For some students, this type of setting can reduce stress, improve communication and social skills, and provide the specialized support they need to reach their full potential.

Below, we list schools specifically designed for children with autism / disabilities, and schools that can accommodate autistic students.

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/).

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/).