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. Below the place(s) that can diagnose autism nearest you:
Name: Appalachian Psychological & Behavioral Services
Address: 1423 Washington Street, Suite 212, Clarkesville, GA 30523
Phone Number: 802-404-2727
Email: Kleinert@AppalachianPBS.com
Website: www.appalachianpbs.com
Insurances Accepted: We discuss all costs/payment up-front so there are “no surprises” with billing, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for an evaluation. However, pending insurance approval, your insurance might be taken, including: United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, CareSource, and straight Medicaid. We do not take PeachCare or AmeriGroup. All major credit cards, HSA and FSA cards, cash, and checks are accepted.
Name: NeuroKids Center
Address: 200 West Academy St NW, Suite D, Gainesville, Ga 30501
Phone Number: 770-569-3839
Email: info@neurokidscenter.com
Website: neurokidscenter.com
Insurances Accepted: Private pay provider and does not directly file insurance. Payment will be due at the time of service. We recommend that you reach out to your insurance company to find out if testing services are covered. Self Pay
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.
-
Name: Foothills Behavior Associates
Address: 125 Professional Park Dr., Clarkesville, GA 30523
Phone Number: 706-250-7500
Email: info@foothillsbehaviorassociates.com
Website: foothillsaba.com
Insurances Accepted: Aetna, Alliant, Amerigroup, Anthem, BCBS, CareSource, Cigna, Medicaid, Optum, Peachstate
Type of Therapy Done: ABA
-
Name: Summit Therapeutics
Address: 1856 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville, Ga (It seems like the Cornelia location closed
Phone Number: 706-920-0123
Email: info@summit-therapeutics.com
Website: summit-therapeutics.com
Insurances Accepted: answer
Type of Therapy Done: ABA
-
Name: Shining Star Therapy
Address: 613 Cook St, Royston, Ga 30662
Phone Number: 706-491-5409
Email: admin@shiningstartherapyga.com
Website: Shiningstartherapyga.com
Insurances Accepted: Most major insurance plans
Type of Therapy: ABA, OT, Speech
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/ .
-
Name: Foothills Behavior Associates
Address: 125 Professional Park Dr., Clarkesville, GA 30523
Phone Number: 706-250-7500
Email: info@foothillsbehaviorassociates.com
Website: foothillsaba.com
Insurances Accepted: Aetna, Alliant, Amerigroup, Anthem, BCBS, CareSource, Cigna, Medicaid, Optum, Peachstate
Type of Therapy Done: ABA
Where Therapies are Performed: Clinic, Telehealth
-
Name: Summit Therapeutics
Address: 1856 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville, Ga (It seems like the Cornelia location closed
Phone Number: 706-920-0123
Email: info@summit-therapeutics.com
Website: summit-therapeutics.com
Insurances Accepted: answer
Type of Therapy Done: ABA
Where Therapies are Performed: In-home, Clinic, School/Daycare, Telehealth
-
Name: BeeKind ABA Therapy
Address: 127 Jonesboro Road Suite 1031, Jonesboro GA 30236
Phone Number: 770-862-8378
Email: admin@beekindaba.com
Website: https://www.beekindaba.com/
Services Offered: In-Home Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Insurance and Payment: Medicaid, Peach State, Katie Beckett, CareSource, Amerigroup, Anthem/BCBS, First Health, Tricare, Molina/Humana, United Healthcare/Optum, Aetna, Cigna
In-Clinic or In-Community: In-Community
Therapy and Satellite Services
Individuals with autism often benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, feeding therapy, and others.
-
Name: Shining Star Therapy
Address: 613 Cook St, Royston, Ga 30662
Phone Number: 706-491-5409
Email: admin@shiningstartherapyga.com
Website: Shiningstartherapyga.com
Insurances Accepted: Most major insurance plans
Type of Therapy: ABA, OT, Speech
Where Therapies are Performed: Clinic
-
Name: Ability Pediatric Therapy, LLC
Address: 104 Builders Pkwy Suite B, Cornelia, GA 30531
Phone Number: 678-616-3099
Email: support@abilitypedtherapy.com
Website: abilitypedtherapy.com
Insurances Accepted: Peachcare for Kids, Medicaid, Peachstate, Amerigroup, CareSource, BlueCross BlueShield, Health Partners, Alliant
Type of Therapy: PT, OT, Speech Therapy
Where Therapies are Performed (home, school, clinic, etc…) Clinic
-
Name: Aspire Pediatric Therapy of Georgia, LLC
Address: 1132 Big A Rd, Toccoa, Ga 30577
Phone Number: 770-965-1861
Email: mail@aspiretherapy.org
Website: aspiretherapy.org
Insurances Accepted: Most major insurance plans
Type of Therapy: OT, Speech therapy
Where Therapies are Performed (home, school, clinic, etc…): Clinic
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.
-
Name: Summit Therapeutics
Address: 1856 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville, Ga (It seems like the Cornelia location closed)
Phone Number: 706-920-0123
Email: info@summit-therapeutics.com
Website: summit-therapeutics.com
Description of Services: Designed for your child to be successful in an academic setting with their peers. In-school services
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.
-
Name: Special Needs Parents of Georgia
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/georgiasnparents/
Description of Services: Online parent support group
-
Name: Moving Over Mountains Against Autism
Phone Number: 706-495-3161
Email: mominc2013@gmail.com
Website: mom2013.com
Description of Services: Online parent support group, supporting families affected by autism through education, resources, and community-building initiatives
-
Name: Connections for Special Parents
Address: 613 Cook St, Royston, Ga 30662
Phone Number: 706-246-5476
Email: cspnega@gmail.com
Website: https://www.connectionsforspecialparents.org
Description of Services: In person support group, respite program
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/
-
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: mid-June to mid-July
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 -
Name: Camp Hooray
Who is it for: Ages 2–21 with autism spectrum disorder
Day camp or overnight camp?: Day camp and Overnight camp
Cost: No family is ever turned away due to financial need. Scholarships are available for those who qualify – we’re here to make camp possible for everyone.
Dates: June 2-6, June 9-13, June 16-20, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25
What will campers do: Communication, social skills, daily living skills, emotional regulation, canoeing, archery, fishing, music, arts and crafts
Hosted by: Extra Special People (ESP)
Location: Athens, GA
Read more about it: https://espyouandme.org/programs/hooray/ -
Name: Disability Resource Center – Demorest
Address: 170 Scoggins Drive, Demorest, GA, 30535
Phone Number: 706-778-5355
Email: Message on website
Website: https://disabilityresourcecenter.org/core-services/peer-support-youth-programs/
Description of Services: Peer Support, Youth Programs
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.
-
Name: Rose Lane Recreation Center
Address: 125 Roselane Park Dr., Toccoa, Ga 30577
Phone Number: 706-886-5101
Email: crainey@stephenscountyga.gov
Website: https://stephenscountyga.gov/parks-and-recreation/
Description of Services: Inclusive sensory friendly playground, splash pad, park
-
Name: Special Olympics of Stephens County
Address: 638 White Pine Rd
Phone Number: 706-886-9415
Email: sean.munroe@specialolympicsga.org
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Special-Olympics-of-Stephens-County-100077964141742/
Description of Services: The mission of Special Olympics Georgia is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities
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/).
-
Name: Avita Community Partners
Address: 64 Boulevard, Toccoa, Ga. 30577
Phone Number: (706) 886-6521
Email: N/A
Website: https://www.avitapartners.org/services/developmental-disabilities
Services Offered: Provides respite services for short and long periods of time
-
Name: Connections for Special Parents
Address: 613 Cook St, Royston, Ga 30662
Phone Number: 706-246-5476
Email: cspnega@gmail.com
Website: https://www.connectionsforspecialparents.org
Description of Services: In person support group, respite program
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/).
-
Name: Creative Enterprises – White County
Address: 133 West Kytle Street, Cleveland, GA 30528
Phone Number: 770-545-6010
Email: info@creativeenterprises.org
Website: https://www.creativeenterprises.org/white-county
Description of Services: Life skills, Employment training, Job placement assistance, Education programs, Vocational Rehabilitation
Criteria for Participants: Adult
-
Name: Disability Resource Center – Demorest
Address: 170 Scoggins Drive, Demorest, GA, 30535
Phone Number: 706-778-5355
Email: Submit a self-referral form on website
Website: https://disabilityresourcecenter.org/core-services/
Description of Services: Advocacy, Independent living skills, Institutional Transition, Peer Support
-
Name: Avita Community Partners
Address: 64 Boulevard, Toccoa, Ga 30577
Phone Number: 706-886-6521
Email: N/A
Website: https://www.avitapartners.org/services/developmental-disabilities
Description of Services: Personal and Social services, Employment Support
-
Name: North Georgia Autism Foundation
Address: 1423 Washington Street Suite 212, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
Phone Number: 706-204-9044
Email: clinicalservices@ngafinc.org
Website: https://www.ngafinc.org/our-program
Description of Services: Independent living skills, Resource guides
Criteria for Participants: students and young adults
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/).
-
Name: Avita Community Partners
Address: 64 Boulevard, Toccoa, Ga 30577
Phone Number: 706-886-6521
Email: N/A
Website: https://www.avitapartners.org/services/developmental-disabilities
Description of Services: Personal and Social services, Employment Support
-
Name: Creative Enterprises – White County
Address: 133 West Kytle Street, Cleveland, GA 30528
Phone Number: 770-545-6010
Email: info@creativeenterprises.org
Website: https://www.creativeenterprises.org/white-county
Description of Services: Life skills, Employment training, Job placement assistance, Education programs, Vocational Rehabilitation
Criteria for Participants: Adult
-
Name: Star Choices Incorporated
Address: 4979 Bristol Industrial Way, Suite 200, Buford, GA 30518
Phone Number: 470-266-1500
Email: referrals@starchoices.org
Website: https://www.starchoices.org/services/ga-categories-of-services/se/
Description of Services: Supported employment, Transportation, Medical Supplies, Community Access, Residential Services
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/).
-
Name: Star Choices Incorporated
Address: 4979 Bristol Industrial Way, Suite 200, Buford, GA 30518
Phone Number: 470-266-1500
Email: referrals@starchoices.org
Website: https://www.starchoices.org/services/ga-categories-of-services/se/
Notes about Insurance and Payment: N/A
Criteria for Residence: N/A
Type of Housing: Residential services, Host home
-
Name: Toccoa Public Housing
Address: 437 South Pond St., Toccoa, Ga 30577
Phone Number: 706-886-9455
Email: N/A; send message on website
Website: https://www.negahousingauthority.com/
Notes about Insurance and Payment: Income based payment
Criteria for Residence: must be eligible for subsidized housing
Type of Housing (nursing home, residential services, supported care, etc…): residential services
-
Name: All Ways Caring Homecare
Address: 1238 Falls Road, Toccoa, Georgia 30577
Phone Number: 706-447-9256
Email: answer
Website: https://www.allwayscaring.com/location/all-ways-caring-homecare-toccoa-georgia/
Notes about Insurance and Payment: Private pay, Medicaid waiver program
Criteria for Residence: N/A
Type of Housing: Supported care