Occupational Therapy (OT) brings together cognitive, physical and motor skills. The aim of OT is to enable the individual to gain independence and participate more fully in life. For a child with autism, the focus may be on cognitive activities (learning), appropriate play and basic life skills. An occupational therapist will evaluate the child's development as well as the psychological, social and environmental factors that may be involved. The therapist will then prepare strategies and tactics for learning key tasks to practice at home, in school and in other important settings.
The goals of an OT program may include independent dressing, feeding, grooming and use of the toilet and improved social, fine motor and visual perceptual skills. OT is provided by Certified Occupational Therapists.
Tennessee Resources
Anderson County
Marino Therapy Center
490 South Illinois Avenue
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Phone: 865-482-7730
Blount County
Marino Therapy Center
1904 West Broadway Avenue
Maryville, TN 37801
Phone: 865-983-8129
Davidson County
Capable Kids
Mickey McGee
3918 Dickerson Pike, #113
Nashville, TN 37207
Phone: 615-594-5437
SpeechPath Outpatient Clinic
Kim Nicholson
500 Professional Blvd., Suite B
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
Phone: 615-855-2285
Fax: 615-855-2295
Email: knicholson@speechpathclinic.com
The Brown Center for Autism
2702 Greystone Road
Nashville, TN 37204
Phone: 615-385-7994
Fax: 615-385-7996
Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center
Pediatric Speech/Language Program
Medical Center East - South Tower
1215 21st Avenue, Suite 6209
Nashville, TN 37232-8718
Phone: 615-936-5218
Hamilton County
The Team Centers
Autism Spectrum Clinic
600 North Holtzclaw Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404-1220
Phone: 423-622-0500
Fax: 423-622--564
Email: info@teamcenters.org