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.
Name: Blue Ridge Psychological Services
Address: 9757 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Phone Number: (706) 455-2490
Email: kyleraque@hotmail.com
Website: https://blueridgepsychological.com/
Insurances Accepted: We generally accept all forms of GA and NC Medicaid. The office is also set up to file Medicare, Tricare, and private insurance claims as a service to you. No person will be denied services due to an inability to pay. A discounted/Sliding-Fee-Schedule is available based on family and size and income to anyone who does not have insurance. Please contact the office in order to apply for a discounted/sliding fee.
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-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.
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Name: Summit Therapeutics
Address: 3196 Hwy 515 E, Unit H, Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone Number: 706-920-0123
Email: https://summit-therapeutics.com/contact/
Website: https://summit-therapeutics.com/
Insurances Accepted: Major insurance providers and Medicaid plans
Type of Therapy: ABA
Where Therapies are Performed: In-Home, In-Clinic, and In-School/Daycare
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Name: Blue Skies ABA
Address: 2800 Scenic Dr. Suite 12, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Phone Number: (706) 946-0466
Email: info@blueskiesaba.com
Website: https://www.blueskiesaba.com/
Insurances Accepted:
Type of Therapy Done: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Where Therapies are Performed (home, school, clinic, etc…): In-Clinic
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Name: Apollo Behavior
Address: 4031 Executive Dr, Suite 200, Oakwood, GA 30566
Phone Number: 404-531-7977
Email: https://apollobehavior.com/new-clients/
Website: https://apollobehavior.com/locations/aba-therapy-oakwood/
Insurances Accepted: Amerigroup, Anthem, BlueCross/BlueShield, CareSource, Cigna, Humana, Medicaid, Peach State Health Plan, and United/Optum
Type of Therapy: ABA
Where Therapies are Performed: In-Home, In-Clinic, and Telehealth
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/ .
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Name: Summit Therapeutics
Phone Number: 706-920-0123
Email: https://summit-therapeutics.com/contact/
Website: https://summit-therapeutics.com/
Insurances Accepted: Major insurance providers and Medicaid plans
Type of Therapy: Virtual Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), In-Home, In-Clinic, and In-School/Daycare
Therapy and Satellite Services
Individuals with autism often benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, feeding therapy, and others.
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Name: Ability Pediatric Therapy
Address: 150 South Main Street Suite D, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Phone Number: (678) 616-3099
Email: 130ability@gmail.com
Website: https://www.abilitypedtherapy.com/
Insurances Accepted: PeachCare for Kids, Peachstate, Amerigroup, CareSource, BCBS, Health Partners, and Alliant
Type of Therapy: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Feeding Therapy
Where Therapies are Performed: In-Clinic
Play Groups and 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/
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Name: Camp Sparrowwood
Who is it for: Children, young adults, and adults with disabilities
Day camp or overnight camp?: Day and overnight camps
Cost: Varies
Dates:
What will campers do: Hiking, arts and crafts, swimming, games
Hosted by: Glisson Camp and Retreat Center
Location: Dahlonega, GA
Read more about it: https://glisson.org/sparrowwood/ -
Name: Camp Hawkins – Mt. Airy
Who is it for: Children ages 8–21 with special needs
Day camp or overnight camp?: Overnight camp
Cost: $1,000
Dates: June 10–14; June 17–21; June 24–28; July 1–5
What will campers do: Swimming, arts and crafts, Bible studies, games
Hosted by: Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries
Location: Mt. Airy, GA
Notes: Scholarships available
Read more about it: https://www.georgiachildren.org/camp-hawkins
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/).
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Name: Avita Community Partners
Address: 76 Hunt Martin Street, Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone Number: (706) 745-5911
Email:
Website: https://www.avitapartners.org/services/developmental-disabilities
Description of Services: Respite Services, Personal and Support Services
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/).
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Name: Disability Resource Center
Address: 170 Scoggins Drive, Demorest, GA, 30535
Phone Number: 706-778-5355
Email: https://disabilityresourcecenter.org/about-us/contact-us/
Website: https://disabilityresourcecenter.org/core-services/
Description of Services: Advocacy, Independent Living Skills, Transitional Services
Criteria for Participants: Anyone with a Disability
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Name: Western Carolina University’s University Participant (UP) Program
Address: 1 University Dr., Cullowhee, NC 28723-9646
Phone Number:
Email: wcuupprogram@gmail.com
Website: https://www.wcu.edu/learn/departments-schools-colleges/ceap/stl/special-education-programs/university-participant-up-program/index.aspx
Description of Services: Independent Living Skills, Transitional Services
Criteria for Participants: Anyone with a Intellectual Disability
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.
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Name: Tate Academy
Address: 3196 GA-515, Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone Number: (706) 514-6250
Email: info@tate-academy.org
Website: https://www.tate-academy.org/
Description of Services: Non-Profit School for Autistic Children
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: Cleveland Vocational Rehabilitation Office
Address: 243 S Main St., Cleveland, GA 30528
Phone Number: (844) 367-4872
Email:
Website: https://gvs.georgia.gov/locations/cleveland-vr-office
Description of Services: Job Skills Training, Supported Employment
Criteria for Participants: Anyone
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Name: Avita Community Partners
Address: 76 Hunt Martin Street, Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone Number: (706) 745-5911
Email:
Website: https://www.avitapartners.org/services/developmental-disabilities
Description of Services: Job Skills Training, Supported Employment
Criteria for Participants: Intellectual or Developmental Disability
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: Avita Community Partners
Address: 76 Hunt Martin Street, Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone Number: (706) 745-5911
Email:
Website: https://www.avitapartners.org/services/developmental-disabilities
Notes about Insurance and Payment: They provide sliding-scale fees, government-funded options, and financial assistance to ensure no one is turned away for an inability to pay.
Criteria for Residence: Intellectual or Developmental Disability
Type of Housing: Host Families