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Grants
Autism Care Today (ACT) – ACT offers grants up to $5,000 and runs quarterly application cycles; applications are taken on its site.
They also operate an ACT SOS program for urgent, immediate needs (separate application).
TN Caregiver Coalition Respite Program – This program offers an opportunity for caregivers to have a break and take some time off for themselves.
Katie Beckett Program – Tennessee’s Katie Beckett program is for children under the age of 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs. This program is for children who are not Medicaid eligible because of their parent’s income or assets.
Autism Speaks – The following is a list of autism grants listed on the Autism Speaks website from national organizations that offer support to families with autistic loved ones. For questions, please contact the organization listed directly. ABA Effects and Autism Speaks is not responsible for and does not administer or monitor the grants.
Instrumentl: Grants for Autism Programs in Tennessee — Searchable database of local and regional funding opportunities.
Parent Advocacy
Autism Tennessee — Statewide organization advocating for autistic individuals and families through training, education, and community-building.
TN STEP – TNSTEP is a statewide non-profit that serves as Tennessee’s only Parent Training and Information Center and is dedicated to providing special education support and training to families of children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs–including those who experience learning differences and behavioral challenges that impact their access to education.
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) — National association protecting legal and civil rights of students with disabilities.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) — Run by and for autistic individuals; focuses on policy advocacy and public representation.
TN Laws & Special Education in the School System – A quick guide to parent’s rights and responsibilities in special education.
Parent Support Groups
Autism Resources of the Mid‑South (ARMS) — Offers support groups, training, and resource guidance locally in the Mid‑South region.
Parents of Autism Speaking Together – Memphis (Facebook group) — Peer-led, local support and connection.
Parent Support Groups across Tennessee — Directory via Psychology Today listing groups like caregiver support, late-identified autism, etc.
