For those living in the Tifton 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.
While we were unable to find any facilities that provide diagnosis of autism in Tifton, we did find facilities in a nearby location:
Name: Southern Psychological and Behavioral Services
Address: 101 West Northside Drive, Building F, Valdosta, Georgia 31602
Phone Number: (229) 474-9800
Email: https://www.southernpsychological.com/contact
Website: https://www.southernpsychological.com/
Insurances Accepted: N/A
Name: South Georgia Autism Center
Address: 319 North Stevens, Thomasville, Georgia 31792
Phone Number: (229) 221-3442
Email: southgaautism@gmail.com
Website: https://www.southgeorgiaautism.com/
Insurances Accepted: Aetna, Alliant Health Plans, Allied Benefit Systems, Inc., All United Medical Group IPA, Ambetter, American Medical, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Benefit Administrative Systems, CareSource, Cigna, Georgia Medicaid, Global Care Inc., Health Plans Inc., HealthSmart, Magellan Health Services, Peach State Health Plan, Taylor Benefit Resources, UMR, UnitedHealthcare
Insurances Not Accepted: Amerigroup, Tricare
Name: Psychological Center for Growth and Development – Thomasville Autism Center
Address: 200 Gordon Avenue, Thomasville, Georgia 31792
Phone Number: (229) 227-9360
Email: geri@rose.net
Website: https://pcthomasville.com/
Insurances Accepted: We accept and are in-network with most major insurance companies including, but not limited to: BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Medicaid, Peachcare, Wellcare, Magellan, Tricare, some Aetna Plans, United Healthcare, Med Mutual, Archbold, and Medicare.
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: The Conner Group for Pediatric Therapies
Address: 1644 US-82, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 396-5596
Email: office@theconnergroup.org
Website: https://theconnergroup.org/
Insurances Accepted: Amerigroup, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Caresource, Medicaid, Peachstate
Type of Therapy Done: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
Where Therapies are Performed: In-Clininc, In-Home, In-Classroom
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Name: Total Care ABA Therapy Clinic in Tifton, Georgia
Address: 152 Ridge Avenue South, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 351-2380
Email: info@totalcareaba.com
Website: https://www.totalcareaba.com/clinics/tifton
Insurances Accepted: Most Insurances Accepted – Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna, Arizona Health Care Cost Convenience Services (AHCCCS), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Mercy Care, United Healthcare (https://www.totalcareaba.com/insurances)
Type of Therapy Done: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
Where Therapies are Performed: Center-Based Therapy
Remote Early Intervention
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Name: APEX ABA Therapy in Tifton, Georgia
Address: N/A
Phone Number: (888) 690-0663
Email: info@apexaba.com
Website: https://www.apexaba.com/locations/tifton-georgia
Insurances Accepted: Straight Medicaid, Peach State, Amerigroup, Caresource, etc.
Type of Therapy Done: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, Sibling Relationship Therapy, Independent Play Therapy, Communication Therapy, and Pre-Academic Skills.
Where Therapies are Performed: At-Home
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Name: Golden Steps ABA
Address: N/A
Phone Number: (470) 500-0105
Email: info@goldenstepsaba.com
Website: goldenstepsaba.com
Insurances Accepted: Most Insurances Accepted
Type of Therapy: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
Where Therapies are Performed: At-Home, Telehealth
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: Tifton Pediatric Therapy Services
Address: 111 East 12th Street, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 652-5650
Email: tiftonpediatrictherapyservices@gmail.com
Website: https://www.tiftonpediatrictherapyservices.com/
Insurances Accepted: Peachstate, Caresource, Amerigroup, Georgia Medicaid, Tricare, Private Insurance
Type of Therapy: Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy
Where Therapies are Performed: In-Clinic
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: The Kalos Academy, Inc.
Address: 218 Central Avenue North, Tifton, GA 31794
Phone Number: (229) 396-5596
Email: tconner@thekalosacademyinc.org
Website: https://www.thekalosacademyinc.org/
Admissions Application: https://www.thekalosacademyinc.org/admissions
Description of Services: Offers an effective learning environment for children with learning differences.
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Name: Tift County Schools Special Education Department
Address: 506 West 12th Street, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 387-2460
Email: kbruce@tiftschools.com (Kim Bruce – Director of Special Education)
Website: https://www.tiftschools.com/page/special-education
Description of Services: Evaluations for special education eligibility, development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), a pre-school intervention program for young children with developmental delays, special education specialists, and Parent Engagement Program with resources and support.
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: Lollipop Learning Center
Address: 609 Timmons Drive, Tifton, GA 31794
Phone Number: (229) 445-3955
Email: N/A
Website: https://families.decal.ga.gov/ChildCare/detail/54272
Description of Services: Day care center that accepts kids with developmental disabilities. Activities include outdoor activities, arts and crafts.
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Name: Tift Area YMCA
Address: 1657 Carpenter Road South, Tifton, Georgia 31793
Phone Number: (229) 391-9622
Email: N/A
Website: https://www.tiftareaymca.org/
Description of Services: Focuses on developing the potential of kids, improving individual health and well-being, and giving back and supporting others. Offers various holiday camps, summer camps, fitness classes, activities, etc.
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: Diversified Enterprises
Address: 192 South Virginia Avenue, Suite 100, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 386-3560
Email: N/A
Website: https://de-empowers.org/
Description of Services: Offers residential services, community employment, and community supports/participation to individuals with disabilities.
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Name: Tift Area YMCA
Address: 1657 Carpenter Road South, Tifton, Georgia 31793
Phone Number: (229) 391-9622
Email: N/A
Website: https://www.tiftareaymca.org/
Description of Services: Focuses on developing the potential of kids, improving individual health and well-being, and giving back and supporting others. Offers various holiday camps, summer camps, fitness classes, activities, etc.
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: Crossroads Community Source
Address: 311 12th West Street, Suite 6, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 396-4272
Email: Contact Form: https://cc-source.net/contact-us
Website: https://cc-source.net/
Description of Services: Provides a complete nursing home assessment to determine services and an individualized plan, coordination of personal support services, such as bathing, dressing, and meals, coordination of adult day health services, coordination of home health care and skilled services, coordination of caregiver respite, etc.
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: The Conner Group for Pediatric Therapies
Address: 1644 US-82, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 396-5596
Email: office@theconnergroup.org
Website: https://theconnergroup.org/
Description of Services: Offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, which aims to help children with autism unlock their unique abilities, which may include several transitional skills as they grow.
Criteria for Participants: A formal diagnosis of autism by a pediatrician or other qualified health professionals is required prior to beginning services.
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Name: Total Care ABA Therapy Clinic in Tifton, Georgia
Address: 152 Ridge Avenue South, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 351-2380
Email: info@totalcareaba.com
Website: https://www.totalcareaba.com/clinics/tifton
Description of Services: Offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, which includes programs that help individuals develop transitional and adaptive skills.
Criteria for Participants: Contact for more details!
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: Wiregrass Resource Group
Address: 117 West 3rd Street, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (844) 947-4727
Email: info@wiregrassresources.org
Contact Form: https://www.wiregrassresources.org/contactus
Website: https://www.wiregrassresources.org/ & https://www.wiregrassresources.org/supportedemployment
Description of Services: Offers services that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their career aspirations through competitive, integrated employment. These services include Traditional Supported Employment (TSE) and Customized Supported Employment (CSE)
Criteria for Participants: Call or email for additional questions!
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Name: Tifton Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
Address: 820 Love Avenue, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 386-3522
Email: https://gvs.georgia.gov/form/contact-us
Website: https://gvs.georgia.gov/transition-services-0
Description of Services: Provides Transition Services to help potentially eligible and VR eligible students move from high school into further education, training, and to competitive integrated employment.
Criteria for Participants: Pre-Employment Services – a student that is at least 14 years old and have not yet turned 22 years old and are enrolled in an educational program with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 plan, or other disability documentation
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Name: Diversified Enterprises
Address: 192 South Virginia Avenue, Suite 100, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 386-3560
Email: N/A
Website: https://de-empowers.org/diversified-enterprises
Description of Services: Community Employment
Criteria for Participants: Community Employment
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: Crossroads Community Source
Address: 311 12th West Street, Suite 6, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 396-4272
Email: Contact Form: https://cc-source.net/contact-us
Website: https://cc-source.net/
Notes about Insurance and Payment: All SOURCE clients must be private pay or eligible for full Medicaid and meet nursing home level of care.
Criteria for Residence: Age 65 and older or under 65 and disabled who are SSI and Medicaid eligible, residents of one of the listed counties, may or may not have Medicare, chronic medical conditions and/or disabilities that meet nursing home level of care criteria, may be private pay.
Type of Housing: Assisted living services, extended home health, home delivered meals, adult day healthcare, etc.
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Name: Diversified Enterprises
Address: 192 South Virginia Avenue, Suite 100, Tifton, Georgia 31794
Phone Number: (229) 386-3560
Email: Request Information: https://de-empowers.org/residential-services (scroll to the bottom)
Website: https://de-empowers.org/diversified-enterprises
Notes about Insurance and Payment: Supported Living , Group Homes
Criteria for Residence: Supported Living , Group Homes
Type of Housing: Group Homes, Supported Living Services