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. We have also identified places that can help arrange diagnosis.
Children’s Medical Services – Southeast Health District (Babies Can’t Wait & Children 1st)
Name: Children’s Medical Services – Southeast Health District (Babies Can’t Wait & Children 1st)
Address: 1123 Church Street, Annex B, Waycross, GA 31501
Phone Number: (912) 285-6304
Email: Rhonda.Hughes@dph.ga.gov
Website: https://www.sehdph.org/services/babies-cant-wait/
Insurances Accepted: State early intervention program
Description: Early identification, developmental screening, care coordination, and referrals for infants and young children with developmental concerns.
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.
-
The Howard Center
Name: The Howard Center for Social Cognition and Communication
Address: 413 Lister Street, Waycross, GA 31501
Phone Number: (912) 385-2927
Email: info@thehowardcenterforscc.com
Website: https://www.thehowardcenterforscc.com/)
Insurances Accepted: Georgia Medicaid (CareSource, Peach State, Amerigroup)
Type of Therapy: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Early Intervention
-
BeeKind ABA Therapy
Address: 1003 Mary Street, Waycross, GA 31503
Phone Number770-862-8378
Email: admin@beekindaba.com
Website: https://www.beekindaba.com/
Insurances Accepted: Medicaid, Peach State/Wellcare/Peach Care for Kids, Katie Beckett, CareSource, Amerigroup, Anthem/BCBS, First Health
Type of Service: Behavioral Health
Where Services are Performed: Clinic
Therapy and Satellite Services
Individuals with autism often benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, feeding therapy, and others.
-
Name: The Speech Clinic
Address: 303 Pineview Drive, Waycross, GA 31501
Phone Number: (912) 283-0777
Email: thespeechclinic@bellsouth.net
Website: https://thespeechclinic.org/waycross%2C-ga
Insurances Accepted: Medicaid, Amerigroup, Peach State, CareSource, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Tricare
Type of Therapy: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
-
Name: Pediatric Therapies of Southeast Georgia
Address1701 Boulevard Square, Suite F, Waycross, GA 31501
Phone Number: (912) 342-8875
Website: https://www.pediatrictherapiessega.com/
Insurances Accepted: Medicaid, Amerigroup, Peach State, CareSource, Ambetter, CHAMPVA, Peachcare for Kids, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA, UHC, GEHA, Tricare East, Meritain, AETNA, UME, HUMANA, private insurance, and private pay
Type of Therapy: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
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: The Howard Center
Address: 413 Lister Street, Waycross, GA 31501
Phone Number: (912) 385-2927
Email: info@thehowardcenterforscc.com
Website: https://www.thehowardcenterforscc.com/
Description of Services: School consultation, IEP support, Applied Behavior Analysis services within schools.
-
Name: The Harrell Learning Center
Address: 1215 Bailey St, Waycross, GA 31501
Phone Number: (912) 285-6191
Website: https://okhlc.weebly.com/
Description of Services: Learning center for students recommend through the IEP team, IEP support, Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior intervention.
-
Name: Jeremiah’s Promise
Address: 3437 Drawdy St, Patterson, GA 31557
Phone Number: 912-647-7912
Email: info@jeremiahspromisecenter.com
Website: https://www.jeremiahspromisecenter.com/
Description of Services: Faith-based primary education center.
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: The Miracle League of the Okefenokee
Address: Ware County Recreation Department, Trembling Earth Sports Complex
2110 Recreation Drive, Waycross, GA 31503
Website: https://www.miracleleagueokefenokee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Miracle-League-of-the-Okefenokee-61567896742349/
Contacts: Jimmie Rae Roberts – 912-670-4677; Jessica Hayes – 912-614-5039
Description: The Miracle League provides a baseball and cheerleading program for individuals with special needs ages 5 and up.
-
Name: Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind
Address: 5626 Laura Walker Rd, Waycross, GA 31503
Phone number: 912-283-4320
Email: office@glcb.org
Website: https://glcb.org/
Description: Summer camp for pre-teens, teens, and adults with visual impairments and severe vision loss. Program costs $400 or less per week.
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: Unison Behavioral Health – Ware County Adult Day Program
Address: 506 Brunel Street, Waycross, GA
Phone Number: (912) 449-7241
Description of Services: Adult day services for eligible adults.
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: Easterseals Southern Georgia
Address: 2005 Pioneer Street, Waycross, GA 31501
Phone Number: (912) 283-4691
Email: https://southerngeorgia.easterseals.com/contact-us
Website: https://southerngeorgia.easterseals.com/about-us/locations-programs
Description of Services: Covers respite care, medical supplies, travel for appointments, Independent living skills, behavioral supports, residential services, vocational supports.
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: Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
Address: 2311 Knight Avenue, Waycross, GA 31503
Phone Number: (844) 367-4872
Website: https://gvs.georgia.gov/
Description of Services: Vocational rehabilitation, career planning, employment support, and job training.
Criteria for Participants: Individuals with qualifying 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/).
-
Volunteers of America Southeast
Name: Volunteers of America Southeast
Address: 1820 Hazel Street, Waycross, GA 31501
Phone Number: (912) 287-9855
Website: https://www.voa.org/affiliates/volunteers-of-america-southeast/
Type of Housing: Semi-Independent Residential Services
Transportation for Autistic People
Some autistic people are unable to drive, may not feel comfortable using public transportation independently, or may have limited transportation options in their community. Transportation services can help families get to medical appointments, therapy sessions, school, work, and recreational activities, making it easier to stay connected to essential services and participate in community life. Please see the transportation options below.
-
Love Transportation
Name: Love Transportation
Address: 552 Ossie Davis Parkway, Waycross, GA
Phone Number: (912) 285-7111
Description of Services: Transportation to medical appointments and community destinations.
-
Name: Home Transport
Address: 103 W. Blackshear Avenue, Waycross, GA
Phone Number: (800) 673-6315
Description of Services: Non-emergency medical transportation.