ASMT, Inc. (Autism Tennessee)
Programs
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
$6,000.00
Description
EmployME is a comprehensive program designed specifically to empower and support autistic teens and adult self-advocates in their journey toward meaningful employment and independent living. Our program offers a user-friendly platform that enables individuals to easily navigate pre-employment resources, independent living supports, and inclusive employers.
EmployME provides access to valuable resources, including detailed webpages on Pre-Employment, Independent Living, and Employers. The experienced AutismTN Staff will support you throughout your job-seeking process through two small group sessions held online. The first session offers an overview of our "Job Seeker Resource Guide," Q&A opportunities, and additional employment resources. The second session focuses on social skills in the interview and workplace setting.
Category
Employment -
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$6,000.00
Description
EmployME is a comprehensive program designed specifically to empower and support autistic teens and adult self-advocates in their journey toward meaningful employment and independent living. Our program offers a user-friendly platform that enables individuals to easily navigate pre-employment resources, independent living supports, and inclusive employers.
EmployME provides access to valuable resources, including detailed webpages on Pre-Employment, Independent Living, and Employers. The experienced AutismTN Staff will support you throughout your job-seeking process through two small group sessions held online. The first session offers an overview of our "Job Seeker Resource Guide," Q&A opportunities, and additional employment resources. The second session focuses on social skills in the interview and workplace setting.
Category
Employment -
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$2,200.00
Description
AutismTN Connect is a safe and 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
Adults
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$2,200.00
Description
AutismTN Connect is a safe and 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
Adults
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$1,500.00
Description
Discover Adult Social Learning is an online group class for autistic adults (18+) who are looking to participate in discussions and expand their understanding of society's unwritten rules.
Using Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson's innovative book, "The Science of Making Friends: Helping Socially Challenged Teens and Young Adults," the group facilitator of Discover provides individuals with evidence-based tools for building friendships and relationships. The group facilitator is an adult on the autism spectrum who provides a safe environment and encourages individuals to discuss experiences with like-minded peers.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
$1,500.00
Description
Discover Adult Social Learning is an online group class for autistic adults (18+) who are looking to participate in discussions and expand their understanding of society's unwritten rules.
Using Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson's innovative book, "The Science of Making Friends: Helping Socially Challenged Teens and Young Adults," the group facilitator of Discover provides individuals with evidence-based tools for building friendships and relationships. The group facilitator is an adult on the autism spectrum who provides a safe environment and encourages individuals to discuss experiences with like-minded peers.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
Program Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
Budget
$1,200.00
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. See the upcoming schedule below for upcoming Game Day events.
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
$1,200.00
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. See the upcoming schedule below for upcoming Game Day events.
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
$2,500.00
Description
The Spectrum Connection is a social networking group for LGBTQIA+ autistic adults, and is member-led with the support of a queer AutismTN employee. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for community building through social networking, education, activities, resource-sharing, and conversation.
Togetherness Tuesdays are an opportunity for TSC members to check in with fellow members, get and give support, and discuss upcoming events. The groups meet twice monthly online and plan one in-person meetup per month.
Beneficiaries
LGBTQI+ people
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
$2,500.00
Description
The Spectrum Connection is a social networking group for LGBTQIA+ autistic adults, and is member-led with the support of a queer AutismTN employee. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for community building through social networking, education, activities, resource-sharing, and conversation.
Togetherness Tuesdays are an opportunity for TSC members to check in with fellow members, get and give support, and discuss upcoming events. The groups meet twice monthly online and plan one in-person meetup per month.
Beneficiaries
LGBTQI+ people
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
Budget
$6,000.00
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
Elderly and/or Disabled
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
$6,000.00
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
Elderly and/or Disabled
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
Budget
$1,500.00
Description
Autism TN Community Ambassadors, Junior Ambassadors, and College Ambassadors are community volunteers who have a passion for sharing information about autism. Community Ambassadors are an army of 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
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
$1,500.00
Description
Autism TN Community Ambassadors, Junior Ambassadors, and College Ambassadors are community volunteers who have a passion for sharing information about autism. Community Ambassadors are an army of 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
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
Description
We advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We stay on top of news and policy that affects the autism community and collaborate with the greater disability community to act when necessary both locally and nationally. The staff at Autism Tennessee sit on committees, coalitions, boards, and panels to provide stakeholder input on policy issues.
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
We advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We stay on top of news and policy that affects the autism community and collaborate with the greater disability community to act when necessary both locally and nationally. The staff at Autism Tennessee sit on committees, coalitions, boards, and panels to provide stakeholder input on policy issues.
Program Areas Served
Middle TN
Budget
$1,500.00
Description
THRIVE is a group for teens and young adults (developmentally ages 14-22) with autism looking to participate in discussions and expand understanding of society's unwritten rules. Using Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson's innovate book, "The Science of Making Friends: Helping Socially Challenged Teens and Young Adults," the group facilitator of THRIVE provides individuals with evidence-based tools for building friendships and relationships. This group provides a safe environment and encourages individuals to discuss experiences with like-minded peers. The group facilitator is an adult on the autism spectrum who shares his story and experiences with participants.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
MiddleTN
$1,500.00
Description
THRIVE is a group for teens and young adults (developmentally ages 14-22) with autism looking to participate in discussions and expand understanding of society's unwritten rules. Using Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson's innovate book, "The Science of Making Friends: Helping Socially Challenged Teens and Young Adults," the group facilitator of THRIVE provides individuals with evidence-based tools for building friendships and relationships. This group provides a safe environment and encourages individuals to discuss experiences with like-minded peers. The group facilitator is an adult on the autism spectrum who shares his story and experiences with participants.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Program Areas Served
MiddleTN
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
Families
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
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
Families
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
Adults
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
