Chattanooga Autism Center

16 recommendations and reviews from 5 people

• Referral from July 24, 2015
  

  Meg C. asked:

  I'm looking for some advice and was hoping I could find it here (or be directed to where I could). We were told last week by a developmental pediatrician at Siskin that our oldest child needs to have testing done for Asperger's/ASD. He referred us to someone else at Siskin but explained that the testing would not be covered by insurance. I'm trying to get a straight answer from our insurance provider and find out if it is just this dr who doesn't work with insurance or if coverage for this kind of testing is just not available. Can anyone recommend anyone that they know does psycho-educational evaluations for ASD and works with insurance? We know that our oldest needs this and suspect that another of our children will need it as well.

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  I am the insurance specialist for the Chattanooga Autism Center. I would be happy to answer any questions you have. Call me at 423.531.6961 or email at elizabeth.thornburgh@chattanoogaautismcenter.org. Some insurance plans will cover an assessment. I can give you some info on them and how you can verify what is covered. And I can give you other resources that provide an assessment, including our Outpatient Clinic.

  

  Dianne B. replied:

  Dr. Kenneth Pittman is a pediatric psychiatrist in Chattanooga and he would be a good resource. Also Alyce Benson at the Chattanooga Autism Center.

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• Referral from February 2, 2015
  

  Sherry W. asked:

  Can someone please recommend a professional who works with diagnosing adults who may be on the spectrum?

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  ^^^Susan is correct. You can call us at 423.531.6961 for more information. We do have a waiting list because of our clinicians' full schedule. Paul Long is another psychologist who is certified in providing an Autism assessment. He, like us, uses the A.D.O.S. assessment.

  

  Susan J. replied:

  The Chattanooga Autism Center has clinicians who can diagnose folks of any age.

  

  Rhonda R. replied:

  What programs are available for 9 year olds through the chattanooga autism center and how can i get me and my stepson involved

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  You can go to our website, Www.chattanoogaautismcenter.org, and look under programs. We have sensory - friendly events, clubs, and support groups. We also have listed resources in our region that list professionals who can provide a number of services. While yiu are there make sure you sign up for our newsletter. You can also look at Chattanooga Therapeutic Parks and Rec who provide lots of outdoor activities . They have their own Facebook page and are a great non - profit in Chattanooga.

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• Referral from September 20, 2013
  

  Suzanna E. asked:

  Any suggestions on a good counselor for an 11 year old boy in middle school? Need afterhour appts...4:00 p.m. or later and would prefer it to be close to the Soddy/Hixson area.

  

  Trish C. replied:

  Suzanna, They do bill insurance but are not able to take all insurances since they don't reimburse enough to cover the rate they have to pay the therapists. I know they don't take TennCare or CoverKids yet. You can call to see if your insurance has accepted them into your network...423-531-6961.

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Recommendations from Elizabeth T.

• Referral from September 15, 2017
  

  Erin T. asked:

  We are new to the area. Can anyone recommend ABA and OT for our 6 year old? We are in Ooltewah. Feeling a little lost, but the school has been great so far at least! Thanks!

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  You can call me at 423.531.6961

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  Hello and welcome! I live in Ooltewah and work at the CAC. I'm happy to help you with resources. You can also check our website for a list of ABA providers in our area. www.chattanoogaautismcenter.org Keep in mind very few insurance plans will cover ABA. While you are checking out our website, be sure to d sign up for our newsletter to get the most up to date announcements and events. There's a big walk coming up, conferences, sensory friendly events, etc.

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• Referral from January 29, 2016
  

  Valerie B. asked:

  can anyone recommend a good psychologist for an 11 yr old female? Thanks.

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  Valerie, Dr. Weigle and Alyce have a waiting list for therapy, but I'd be happy to add your daughter. I can also discuss other resources with you. Feel free to email me at elizabeth.thornburgh@chattanoogaautismcenter.org or call me next week...423.531.6961.

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• Referral from June 3, 2015
  

  Cyndy C. asked:

  Feeling very overwhelmed! I'm looking on a summer camp or daycare for my 5yr old grandson with severe autism, any suggestions? Signal Centers camp is full

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  We have a large list of camps for special needs listed on our resource page of our website, Www.chattanoogaautismcenter.org. Most may be full, but keep trying;-) Also, we have a respite program called Parents Night Out. Their next event is July 3 rd at the North River YMCA.

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• Referral from April 20, 2015
  

  Melinda G. asked:

  In desperate need of a therapist that specializes in Aspergers children that also takes Georgia Medicaid (wellcare). We have a strong urgency for one. Also, all the prayer warriors please pray for my family as our current not so understanding of the spectrum therapist has falsely accused our family of abuse and CPS will be here today at 5:30 to talk to the kids. ***please don't bash my family it took a lot for me to post this****

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  Under our resources page of our website, Www.chattanoogaautismcenter.org, you will find a lot of resources for therapy. We have tried to list what insurances they take as well. Call us at the center tomorrow if you need further assistance. 423.531.6961.

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• Referral from January 26, 2015
  

  Kristy G. asked:

  Hi, everyone! We're moving to the Chattanooga area this summer from the Atlanta area. I have 2 boys. My 13 year old is NT and my 9 year old has autism. He's currently in an inclusion class and will be in 4th grade this upcoming school year. We're just now beginning our home search and are going to move based on where the schools are best for both boys. Can anyone provide any insight? I'm also looking for recommendations for pediatricians, dentists, neurologists, and physical therapists. I'm also curious to find out if any churches in the area have special needs ministries. Thanks so much!

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  These are all great resources from parents that have done their homework. However, what make work for one family may not be best for you...just to keep in mind:-) Please join our newsletter and visit our website to get in the know about events and resources in our area. If you are able, we will have an Autism conference on April 17 th. You'll get to meet and hear from a lot of professionals and visit many organizations who'll exhibit. Good luck with the move! Www.chattanoogaautismcenter.org

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• Referral from October 15, 2013
  

  Aundria C. asked:

  I would like to know if any knows of a place here in Chattanooga or close by that tests adults for autism/asperger's. Also, what is the usual cost for that and does insurance usually cover it?

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  Aundria Sanders Costellow, call the center at 423-531-6961. We can give you more information on Dr. Weigle and costs to test. We can also give some other referrals if she is not a provider:-)

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• Referral from October 13, 2013
  

  Michele A. asked:

  We have been recently diagnosed and have started a lot of therapies, but the cost is very expensive. I have insurance with BCBS but have been denied several times with getting medicaid as a secondary to help. Do anyone have any suggestions for us??

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  Usually BCBS pays for therapy. However, it depends on what type of BCBS insurance you have. The CAC's two clinicians are providers under BCBS. If you are looking for behavioral therapy, you can call us at 423-531-6961 and get more informatiion. Medicaid does not provide a lot for therapy. You can visit our website, www.chattanooogaautismcenter.org and look under resources for other places around Chattanooga that take medicaid/tncare/bluecare.

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• Referral from September 11, 2013
  

  Bonnie P. asked:

  Hi! I have a son who is 8 years old and was dx with pervasive development disorder and mood disorder. He was seeing dr Jennings who was downsizing and referred him to dr Simms who will not take him. Dr Jennings then recommended dr gilson . Does anyone know anything about him or can suggest a psychiatrist who specializes in autism spectrum disorders?

  

  Elizabeth T. replied:

  Dr. Kenneth Pittman is a child psychiatrist who specializes in children with ASD/ PDD-NOS. His # is 423-443-3336. The center also has two clinicians who also see children for behavioral therapy. You can reach us at 423-531-6961.

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