Autism Tennessee

Join our team as a Community Group Facilitator! Are you passionate about AutismTN’s mission and dedicated to making a difference in the Autistic community? If so, we want to hear from you! https://autismtn.org/UAI AutismTN is seeking an?Adult Community Group Facilitator for Unveiling Autistic Identity (UAI), our community group for late-discovered Autistic adults in Middle TN.?This part-time, grant-funded position runs through September 30, 2025, with the potential for extension based on funding. How to Apply: If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply! Review the full job description and submit your application today. Interviews begin in March 2025. https://autismtn.org/UAI AutismTN is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

For Autism Acceptance Month, Dominion Payroll (our service provider!) is hosting AutismTN for a nonprofit spotlight on neuro-affirming resources, programs and partners across Middle Tennessee, and celebrating Autistic culture.

AutismTN is #hiring! Are you passionate about the mission of AutismTN? Do you have experience in program management and a strong understanding of the needs of the autism community? If so, we invite you to join our team as the AutismTN Connect Facilitator.

On February 24, 2025, AutismTN hosted a Spectrum Chat titled, "Being Black/African American and Autistic." This was the third panel discussion of the Exploring Autistic Life and Culture Project, funded by Humanities Tennessee. The experiences of Black/African American Autistic people and their families remain underrepresented in discussions within the broader Autistic community. Research and data are still catching up to their lived experiences, highlighting the pervasive impacts of racial bias in autism research and support services, which have led to missed diagnoses and minimal access to resources. This Spectrum Chats explored the intersection of race and neurodivergence, featuring Black/African American Autistic people and a parent/caregiver sharing their unique perspectives and insights. The panel delved into topics such as the exhaustion caused by masking and code-switching, building connections with peers, navigating employment experiences, and the existing barriers to care. Panelists also discussed the transformative journey of receiving a diagnosis in adulthood, their advocacy work, the challenges of confronting ableism and internalized ableism, and self-love and appreciation. Additionally, the discussion explored how intersecting identities shape the Black/African American Autistic experience. ?? The full recording is now available on our YouTube channel. Watch and share to amplify these vital perspectives! https://lnkd.in/eimdwpnz

?? Celebrate & Support the Autistic Community with AutismTN! ?? At AutismTN, we believe every birthday deserves to be celebrated! Our 6th Annual Birthday Bash is a sensory-friendly event designed to give the Autistic community a welcoming space to connect, have fun, and enjoy a meaningful celebration tailored to their needs. We’re thrilled to host this year’s event once again at The City Forum in Clarksville, TN! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Birthday Bash is completely free for our community members. Want to help make this celebration—and many of our other vital programs—possible? Join us for AfterBash! As AutismTN’s largest fundraising event, AfterBash brings together supporters for a night of entertainment, community, and giving. AfterBash Details ?? Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025 ? Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM ?? Location: Loveless Barn, 8400 Hwy 100, Nashville, TN How You Can Support AutismTN: ??? Get Your AfterBash Tickets – Enjoy a buffet of Loveless Cafe's best options, open bar, music, and silent & live auctions. Plus, learn more about our mission and our impact on the community. ?? Become a Sponsor – Help us expand our reach and ensure the community can access vital resources. ?? Enter the 50/50 Raffle – A chance to win big while giving back to a great cause! (More raffle details at autismtn.org/raffle) Your support ensures that the Middle Tennessee community continues to have access to programs that foster connection, empowerment, and inclusion. ?? Get involved today: autismtn.org/afterbash Let’s celebrate, connect, and make a difference together! ???? #AutismTN #BirthdayBash #AfterBash #CommunityImpact #CelebrateWithUs

On November 21, 2024, AutismTN hosted a Parent Perspectives panel titled "Creating a Circle of Support & Prioritizing Self-Care." This was the 2nd panel discussion of the Exploring Autistic Life and Culture Project, funded by Humanities Tennessee. Parent Perspectives panel discussions create an affirming space for parents (+ others) to share their unique experience as caregivers to Autistic people. We believe bringing these supportive networks together is an act of community care as we all journey through a world designed without neurodivergent families in mind. Our November 2024 panelists Alecia Talbott, Leisa Hammett, Dahron J., and Dave Caudel discussed strategies for connecting with other parents, professionals, and community resources to cultivate a strong circle of support. Panelists offered tips and insights for how to harmonize self-care with family caregiving. All panels funded under the "Exploring Autistic Life and Culture Project" are open to the general public and can be viewed on our YouTube Channel: https://lnkd.in/ehQsNds6. https://lnkd.in/ehKiB5UB

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking with Casey Davis and Jessica Moore with Autism Tennessee about their Exploring Autistic Life and Culture Project. I attended their first panel, which featured four Autistic adults sharing their lived experiences. I highly recommend checking out the other programs in this series (in person in Nashville and online everywhere), which you can find on their website. I know I want to live in the inclusive future they describe in this episode.

?? Exciting News! ?? We’re proud to announce that AutismTN has been awarded the 2024-25 NEXT for AUTISM Autistic-led and Community-Based Grant! ?? This critical funding will support our Autistic Self-Advocate Community Groups aimed at enhancing social well-being and providing essential resources for autistic individuals across Middle Tennessee. Programs benefitting from this grant include Connect, The Spectrum Connection, and Unveiling Autistic Identities. Read on to learn more about these transformative groups: ?? AutismTN Connect is a welcoming space for autistic adults (18+) to share experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Whether professionally diagnosed or self-identified, all are welcome to join monthly meetings filled with activities, discussions, and support. ????? The Spectrum Connection (TSC) offers LGBTQIA+ autistic adults a safe and inclusive space for community building through social networking, education, and resource sharing. With virtual and in-person meetups, TSC fosters a sense of belonging for queer autistic individuals. ?? Unveiling Autistic Identity supports adults discovering their autistic identity later in life. This group empowers late-identified Autistic adults through shared experiences, self-discovery, and self-advocacy. A huge thank you to @next4autism for recognizing the importance of our work and supporting these life-changing programs! ?? https://lnkd.in/g-eZgg2d #AutismTN #AutisticLed #NEXTforAUTISM #AutismAcceptance #CommunitySupport #Neurodiversity #MiddleTennessee #Empowerment

The AutismTN Pajama Walk & 5k is just 4 weeks away! Will you be joining us? There's still time to make a difference in our local autism community. Whether you sign up to run the 5k, walk with us, volunteer your time, become an exhibitor, or sponsor the event, your support is invaluable. Get all the details and join us at autismtn.org/pjwalk5k

AutismTN is #hiring! Are you passionate about the mission of AutismTN? Do you have experience in Community Outreach and a strong understanding of the needs of the autism community? If so, we invite you to join our team as the AutismTN Community Outreach Manager.