ASMT, Inc. (Autism Tennessee)
Programs
Budget
$8,000.00
Description
AutismTN's Unveiling Autistic Identity community group provides a welcoming space for adults who are discovering their Autistic identity later in life. As professional and public understanding of autism continues to improve, many people are becoming aware that they are Autistic in adulthood, either through a professional diagnosis or self-identification, often as a result of seeking mental health support or when their children are diagnosed.
This group fosters inclusive and supportive conversation and connection for late-identified Autistic people to share experiences and offer mutual support, explore their newfound identity and examine what it means for their lives, share in the self-discovery process, and empower each other to embrace their Autistic identity and become self-advocates.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$8,000.00
Description
AutismTN's Unveiling Autistic Identity community group provides a welcoming space for adults who are discovering their Autistic identity later in life. As professional and public understanding of autism continues to improve, many people are becoming aware that they are Autistic in adulthood, either through a professional diagnosis or self-identification, often as a result of seeking mental health support or when their children are diagnosed.
This group fosters inclusive and supportive conversation and connection for late-identified Autistic people to share experiences and offer mutual support, explore their newfound identity and examine what it means for their lives, share in the self-discovery process, and empower each other to embrace their Autistic identity and become self-advocates.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$8,000.00
Description
AutismTN is excited to collaborate with our Community Partner, Vanderbilt University, and San Diego State University to offer a pilot driving program designed to help you build your driving skills and boost your confidence! Through the Drive To Thrive program, you'll learn from evidence based curriculum and use the AI-VTSBS (AI-based Vehicle Technology Simulator with Behavioral Strategies) to enhance your driving abilities, all while contributing to important research. Don't miss out on this unique learning opportunity!
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
$8,000.00
Description
AutismTN is excited to collaborate with our Community Partner, Vanderbilt University, and San Diego State University to offer a pilot driving program designed to help you build your driving skills and boost your confidence! Through the Drive To Thrive program, you'll learn from evidence based curriculum and use the AI-VTSBS (AI-based Vehicle Technology Simulator with Behavioral Strategies) to enhance your driving abilities, all while contributing to important research. Don't miss out on this unique learning opportunity!
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
Budget
$2,000.00
Description
Captain Spectrum's "Be Kind" Scholarship is a tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Chris Miller.
Chris was a courageous autistic adult who tragically left us in February 2021. His commitment to combat bullying and promote inclusivity inspired the creation of this scholarship in his honor. As Captain Spectrum, Chris fearlessly advocated for kindness and fostered friendships that transcended differences, especially among those with disabilities. His impactful efforts touched countless lives, instilling courage and self-confidence in kids on the autism spectrum.
In partnership with AutismTN and the Miller family, this scholarship ensures Chris's mission endures. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to deserving autistic teens or adults who embody Chris's spirit by demonstrating kindness, fighting bullying, and nurturing friendships.
Autistic individuals seeking post-secondary education at a university, community college, or vocational-technical school, are encouraged to apply.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Program Areas Served
Tennessee
$2,000.00
Description
Captain Spectrum's "Be Kind" Scholarship is a tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Chris Miller.
Chris was a courageous autistic adult who tragically left us in February 2021. His commitment to combat bullying and promote inclusivity inspired the creation of this scholarship in his honor. As Captain Spectrum, Chris fearlessly advocated for kindness and fostered friendships that transcended differences, especially among those with disabilities. His impactful efforts touched countless lives, instilling courage and self-confidence in kids on the autism spectrum.
In partnership with AutismTN and the Miller family, this scholarship ensures Chris's mission endures. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to deserving autistic teens or adults who embody Chris's spirit by demonstrating kindness, fighting bullying, and nurturing friendships.
Autistic individuals seeking post-secondary education at a university, community college, or vocational-technical school, are encouraged to apply.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Program Areas Served
Tennessee
Budget
$2,500.00
Description
Welcome to AutismTN's Building Bridges: A Training Program for Inclusive Childcare and Preschool designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to create inclusive environments for children.
The Building Bridges program covers a variety of topics, including understanding neurodivergence, communication strategies, parent or caregiver education, sensory processing, behavior support, and more. Our program includes:
a 1-day interactive training session (in-person or virtual available)
ongoing support from your trainer
variety of resources to help you implement what you've learned and continue to improve your practices
By completing the Bridging Bridges program, your staff will be better equipped to support these unique needs and ensure that children feel welcomed, included, and supported in your daycare or preschool. Join us as we work towards creating a world that is more inclusive and supportive.
Beneficiaries
Children
Infants and Toddlers
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$2,500.00
Description
Welcome to AutismTN's Building Bridges: A Training Program for Inclusive Childcare and Preschool designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to create inclusive environments for children.
The Building Bridges program covers a variety of topics, including understanding neurodivergence, communication strategies, parent or caregiver education, sensory processing, behavior support, and more. Our program includes:
a 1-day interactive training session (in-person or virtual available)
ongoing support from your trainer
variety of resources to help you implement what you've learned and continue to improve your practices
By completing the Bridging Bridges program, your staff will be better equipped to support these unique needs and ensure that children feel welcomed, included, and supported in your daycare or preschool. Join us as we work towards creating a world that is more inclusive and supportive.
Beneficiaries
Children
Infants and Toddlers
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$30,000.00
Description
AutismTN offers quarterly small group sessions that cover topics related to the employment-seeking process. Designed to empower and support Autistic self-advocates in their journey toward meaningful employment, EmployME is strengths-based and centers neurodiversity by celebrating and embracing the unique perspectives of Autistic people.
Facilitator
EmployME Job Seeker small group sessions are facilitated by Casey Davis, Adult Program Director at Autism Tennessee. As a seasoned professional with over a decade of leadership experience and a background in managing teams, hiring staff, and coaching individuals, Casey brings a wealth of experience to EmployME participants.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Glen and Dorothy Stillwell Charitable Trust, AutismTN is thrilled to offer the October 2024 series of EmployME free of charge!
Category
Employment -
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Unemployed, Underemployed, Dislocated
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$30,000.00
Description
AutismTN offers quarterly small group sessions that cover topics related to the employment-seeking process. Designed to empower and support Autistic self-advocates in their journey toward meaningful employment, EmployME is strengths-based and centers neurodiversity by celebrating and embracing the unique perspectives of Autistic people.
Facilitator
EmployME Job Seeker small group sessions are facilitated by Casey Davis, Adult Program Director at Autism Tennessee. As a seasoned professional with over a decade of leadership experience and a background in managing teams, hiring staff, and coaching individuals, Casey brings a wealth of experience to EmployME participants.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Glen and Dorothy Stillwell Charitable Trust, AutismTN is thrilled to offer the October 2024 series of EmployME free of charge!
Category
Employment -
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Unemployed, Underemployed, Dislocated
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$8,000.00
Description
AutismTN Connect is a welcoming community for Autistic adults (18+) to come together and share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. In this group, we aim to create a supportive and understanding community where members can feel free to be themselves and express themselves openly and honestly. We believe everyone has something valuable to contribute, and we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.
Connect welcomes all Autistic people in Middle TN and beyond, including those who are self-diagnosed. The group meets monthly, and we offer a variety of activities and discussions to help members connect with others, learn from one another, and find support and encouragement.
Category
Civil Rights, Social Action, Advocacy -
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Adults
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$8,000.00
Description
AutismTN Connect is a welcoming community for Autistic adults (18+) to come together and share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. In this group, we aim to create a supportive and understanding community where members can feel free to be themselves and express themselves openly and honestly. We believe everyone has something valuable to contribute, and we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.
Connect welcomes all Autistic people in Middle TN and beyond, including those who are self-diagnosed. The group meets monthly, and we offer a variety of activities and discussions to help members connect with others, learn from one another, and find support and encouragement.
Category
Civil Rights, Social Action, Advocacy -
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Adults
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$1,600.00
Description
Join us for few hours of fun and games! Game Day is a great opportunity to practice social learning and make friends in a relaxed environment. We'll have a variety of games to choose from, including classic favorites like Connect4 and Scrabble, as well as newer games like Catan. Game Day is appropriate for children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum.
Game Day is held monthly. We also host Game Day Special Events where we host local providers and agencies in for demonstrations, talks, and also host fun activities.
Bring a friend or come solo and make new ones - everyone is welcome. Parents/caregivers and siblings are welcome to attend, as well. Light refreshments are provided.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
$1,600.00
Description
Join us for few hours of fun and games! Game Day is a great opportunity to practice social learning and make friends in a relaxed environment. We'll have a variety of games to choose from, including classic favorites like Connect4 and Scrabble, as well as newer games like Catan. Game Day is appropriate for children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum.
Game Day is held monthly. We also host Game Day Special Events where we host local providers and agencies in for demonstrations, talks, and also host fun activities.
Bring a friend or come solo and make new ones - everyone is welcome. Parents/caregivers and siblings are welcome to attend, as well. Light refreshments are provided.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
Budget
$8,000.00
Description
The Spectrum Connection is an inclusive, welcoming, respectful space to make connections and build community through social networking, education, meetups, resource sharing, and conversation, for LGBTQIA+ Autistic adults (18+) in Middle TN and beyond. TSC is member-led with the support of a queer AutismTN employee.
Beneficiaries
LGBTQI+ people
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
$8,000.00
Description
The Spectrum Connection is an inclusive, welcoming, respectful space to make connections and build community through social networking, education, meetups, resource sharing, and conversation, for LGBTQIA+ Autistic adults (18+) in Middle TN and beyond. TSC is member-led with the support of a queer AutismTN employee.
Beneficiaries
LGBTQI+ people
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
Budget
$3,000.00
Description
AutismTN is thrilled to offer a variety of social events for individuals and families alike. These events are designed to promote community and friendship, while providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for all.
We offer regular social gatherings for autistic people of all ages, where they can engage in activities such as arts and crafts, music, sports, and games. These are opportunities for them to connect with others who understand their experiences and build friendships. We also host family-friendly events such as picnics, movie nights, and game nights, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for families affected by autism to come together and share their experiences.
All of our events are planned and run by trained professionals and volunteers who understand the unique needs of autistic individuals.
Beneficiaries
Families
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
$3,000.00
Description
AutismTN is thrilled to offer a variety of social events for individuals and families alike. These events are designed to promote community and friendship, while providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for all.
We offer regular social gatherings for autistic people of all ages, where they can engage in activities such as arts and crafts, music, sports, and games. These are opportunities for them to connect with others who understand their experiences and build friendships. We also host family-friendly events such as picnics, movie nights, and game nights, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for families affected by autism to come together and share their experiences.
All of our events are planned and run by trained professionals and volunteers who understand the unique needs of autistic individuals.
Beneficiaries
Families
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
Budget
$2,700.00
Description
Autism TN Community Ambassadors and College Ambassadors are community volunteers who have a passion for sharing information about autism. Community Ambassadors are volunteers that represent AutismTN in their local communities by raising awareness, engaging with their local community, leveraging their network, participating in community events, and organizing grassroots fundraising efforts.
Beneficiaries
General Public
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
$2,700.00
Description
Autism TN Community Ambassadors and College Ambassadors are community volunteers who have a passion for sharing information about autism. Community Ambassadors are volunteers that represent AutismTN in their local communities by raising awareness, engaging with their local community, leveraging their network, participating in community events, and organizing grassroots fundraising efforts.
Beneficiaries
General Public
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
Budget
$0.00
Description
We advocate for the needs of Autistic people, their families, and their networks. We amplify the experiences of multiply-marginalized Autistic people by embracing intersectionality and acknowledging the systemic ways oppression excludes many neurodivergent perspectives. Through our long-standing membership with the Tennessee Disability Coalition and our involvement in local, state, and regional councils and committees, AutismTN tracks policy and news concerning disability communities. We are ready to organize and act, when necessary, both locally and nationally.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Unemployed, Underemployed, Dislocated
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
$0.00
Description
We advocate for the needs of Autistic people, their families, and their networks. We amplify the experiences of multiply-marginalized Autistic people by embracing intersectionality and acknowledging the systemic ways oppression excludes many neurodivergent perspectives. Through our long-standing membership with the Tennessee Disability Coalition and our involvement in local, state, and regional councils and committees, AutismTN tracks policy and news concerning disability communities. We are ready to organize and act, when necessary, both locally and nationally.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Economically disadvantaged people
Unemployed, Underemployed, Dislocated
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
Budget
$25,000.00
Description
Whether you are an autistic adult, a parent/caregiver, or an area service provider, Autism Tennessee's HELPline is here to connect with you! We maintain an Information and Resource database to assist you as you navigate your journey with autism. We know there is no "one size fits all" approach. When you contact us (via phone, text, email, or social media message) looking for information and resources, our HELPline Advocates will listen to your questions/needs and guide you to the available resources that best fit your geographic, financial, or (other) needs ranging from, but not limited to: evaluation providers, medical providers, therapy providers including OT, Speech, ABA, Psychology/Psychiatry, Information on federal and state benefits, community events - educational, recreation, etc…among so many others!
Our Options Policy promotes the active and informed involvement of autistic people in the planning of individualized, appropriate services and supports.
Beneficiaries
General Public
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Tennessee
$25,000.00
Description
Whether you are an autistic adult, a parent/caregiver, or an area service provider, Autism Tennessee's HELPline is here to connect with you! We maintain an Information and Resource database to assist you as you navigate your journey with autism. We know there is no "one size fits all" approach. When you contact us (via phone, text, email, or social media message) looking for information and resources, our HELPline Advocates will listen to your questions/needs and guide you to the available resources that best fit your geographic, financial, or (other) needs ranging from, but not limited to: evaluation providers, medical providers, therapy providers including OT, Speech, ABA, Psychology/Psychiatry, Information on federal and state benefits, community events - educational, recreation, etc…among so many others!
Our Options Policy promotes the active and informed involvement of autistic people in the planning of individualized, appropriate services and supports.
Beneficiaries
General Public
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Tennessee
Budget
$3,000.00
Description
These two-hour presentations, conducted by physicians, psychologists, practicing therapists, and other professionals, address a wide range of issues vital to parents and other community members seeking answers about autism spectrum disorders. Topics have focused on biomedical interventions, improving communication, behavior strategies, education options, challenging adolescent and adult issues, and more.
When armed with the right information, just about anything is possible. Autism Tennessee is committed to equipping you and your family by seeking out speakers, tapping the professional community, and providing educational opportunities that are relevant to your life.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
Families
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$3,000.00
Description
These two-hour presentations, conducted by physicians, psychologists, practicing therapists, and other professionals, address a wide range of issues vital to parents and other community members seeking answers about autism spectrum disorders. Topics have focused on biomedical interventions, improving communication, behavior strategies, education options, challenging adolescent and adult issues, and more.
When armed with the right information, just about anything is possible. Autism Tennessee is committed to equipping you and your family by seeking out speakers, tapping the professional community, and providing educational opportunities that are relevant to your life.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
Families
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Description
Autism Tennessee's Adult Orientations are two-hour sessions about autism spectrum disorders conducted by an autism specialist and an adult with autism. This is for adults who have a diagnosis of autism and those who suspect that they may have autism. This Orientation is most helpful for individuals seeking resources and support in order to understand and manage their autism diagnosis as well as those who want to connect to others in the autism community. Participants will learn the diagnostic characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and criteria for assessment, discuss the difficulties associated with ASD, gain an understanding of treatment options, effective strategies in self-advocacy, and how to create a support system, and hear success strategies from a peer with ASD.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
Elderly and/or Disabled
Program Areas Served
None
Autism Tennessee's Adult Orientations are two-hour sessions about autism spectrum disorders conducted by an autism specialist and an adult with autism. This is for adults who have a diagnosis of autism and those who suspect that they may have autism. This Orientation is most helpful for individuals seeking resources and support in order to understand and manage their autism diagnosis as well as those who want to connect to others in the autism community. Participants will learn the diagnostic characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and criteria for assessment, discuss the difficulties associated with ASD, gain an understanding of treatment options, effective strategies in self-advocacy, and how to create a support system, and hear success strategies from a peer with ASD.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
Elderly and/or Disabled
Program Areas Served
None
