Local Therapy & Respite Services
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Local Therapy Services & Their Importance
In Middle Tennessee, families have access to a range of local therapy services designed to support children on the autism spectrum. These include speech therapy, which helps children develop communication skills, occupational therapy for improving daily living and sensory integration, and physical therapy to enhance mobility, coordination, and motor planning. Additionally, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is widely used to support behavior regulation, social interaction, and learning strategies tailored to each child's unique needs. These therapies play a critical role in helping children build independence, confidence, and the skills needed to thrive at home, in school, and in the community. Early and consistent access to therapy services can make a transformative difference in a child’s development and long-term outcomes.
What is Respite Care & Why It Matters
Respite care is a temporary relief service that allows parents and caregivers to take a much-needed break while ensuring their child is safely cared for by trained providers. Whether it’s a few hours during the week or an overnight stay, respite care is not a luxury, it’s a vital form of support. For parents of children with autism, the constant demands of care can lead to stress, exhaustion, and burnout. Respite care provides space to rest, recharge, and tend to personal well-being, all while knowing your child is in a safe and supportive environment. Exploring respite options can help prevent caregiver burnout and improve the overall well-being of the entire family. It’s okay to ask for help, and respite care is one way to receive it.
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Project Play Therapy – Smyrna
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Address: 739 President Pl, Suite 110, Smyrna, TN 37167
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Phone: Clinic Coordinator: (615) 236-8400; Off Hours Scheduling Line: (615) 852-5955; Intake: (615) 852-6240
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Services: Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavior therapy (ABA), feeding therapy, psychoeducational evaluations, and music therapy.
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Website:
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BlueSprig – Smyrna
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Address: 883 Seven Oaks Dr, Suite #850, Smyrna, TN 37167
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Phone: (629) 216-2007
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Services: ABA therapy services focusing on early intervention, adolescent programs, specialty services, and various service settings including center-based, home-based, community-based, virtual, and school-based therapy.
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Website:
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Hopebridge Murfreesboro West Autism Therapy Center
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Address: 2740 St. Andrews Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
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Phone: (615) 632-2003
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Services: ABA therapy, diagnostic assessments, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, feeding and swallowing therapy, and family guidance for children up to 10 years old.
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Website:
🧠 ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis)
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Helps reduce harmful or disruptive behaviors through positive reinforcement
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Supports development of daily routines (e.g., dressing, eating, brushing teeth)
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Builds flexibility and coping strategies for transitions and change
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Improves focus and task completion in home and school settings
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Offers individualized, data-driven interventions for long-term skill building
🗣️ Speech Therapy
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Enhances understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication cues
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Supports alternative communication methods (e.g., PECS, AAC devices)
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Encourages social conversation skills, turn-taking, and appropriate responses
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Improves articulation and clarity to support school participation
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Builds confidence in self-expression and emotional labeling
✋🏾 Occupational Therapy (OT)
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Promotes independence in self-care activities (toileting, feeding, dressing)
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Develops fine motor skills (writing, cutting, buttoning clothes)
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Addresses emotional regulation through sensory-based strategies
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Helps children tolerate different textures, noises, or environments
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Encourages play skills and social engagement with peers
🦶🏽 Physical Therapy (PT)
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Increases balance, endurance, and coordination
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Supports muscle strength and posture needed for classroom learning
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Helps children participate in physical play and sports with peers
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Addresses challenges with walking, jumping, or stair climbing
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Reduces risk of injury by improving body awareness
📍 Local Respite Care Options in Davidson & Rutherford Counties, TN
1. Tennessee Respite Coalition
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Offers respite vouchers and connects families to providers.
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Counties served: Davidson, Rutherford, and statewide.
2. The Arc Tennessee
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Provides respite navigation services and advocacy for families.
3. Wings of Hope Pediatric Therapy
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Offers in-home and center-based respite care for children with disabilities.
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Location: Murfreesboro (Rutherford County)
4. Community Tennessee Rehabilitation Centers (TRC)
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Offers support and skills-based programming; may provide caregiver relief options.
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tn.gov/humanservices
5. Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)
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Manages services for individuals with autism and offers family support including respite.
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Enrollment through ECF CHOICES (TennCare managed care).
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tn.gov/didd
6. Siskin Children’s Institute – Chattanooga (serves surrounding areas)
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Offers coordinated family services and possible respite through grants or clinical referrals.
🧩 What Is Respite Care?
Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers by offering short-term care for individuals with disabilities, including autistic children. It can be:
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In-home (caregiver comes to your home)
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Out-of-home (at a center, camp, or facility)
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Hourly, overnight, or weekend-based
✅ How Do You Qualify for Respite Care?
To qualify, families typically:
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Must have a child with a diagnosed disability (including autism)
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Provide documentation of diagnosis or IEP
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May need to meet income requirements (for state-funded or waiver programs)
Programs may require enrollment in:
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TennCare/CHOICES or ECDC Waiver
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Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)
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Other local nonprofit or Medicaid-aligned programs
💰 What Are the Costs?
Costs vary based on:
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The type of provider (private vs. state-supported)
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Whether the family qualifies for financial assistance (through Medicaid waivers or grants)
Options include:
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Free or low-cost care through nonprofits and waiver programs
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Private pay options averaging $15–$30/hour
🌱 Benefits of Respite Care
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Reduces caregiver burnout
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Supports mental health for parents and guardians
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Helps children build social skills and adapt to different settings
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Allows for emergency or planned time off
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Creates positive community engagement for the child