Chattanooga
Autism Center
Recreation and Family
DISCLAIMER: The CAC has compiled lists of autism-related resources in our region to help you save time searching for them on the web. This list of service providers is for informational purposes only and being listed does not constitute the endorsement of the CAC.
If you would like us to add a resource or update a resource, contact us at 423-531-6961 opt. 0 or email info@chattanoogaautismcenter.org
Tennessee Aquarium has partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests for all events including those with sensory needs. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our Team Members with continuous training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests. Sensory bags containing fidget tools, noise canceling headphones and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Guest Services Booth located at Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater and Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute. Weighted lap pads are available at the IMAX 3D Theater upon request (at no cost by leaving an ID).
Website: https://tnaqua.org/plan-a-visit/accessibility-inclusion/
Location: One Broad Street
Chattanooga, TN. 37402
Phone Number: 800-262-0695
Sensory Night aims to offer a low-stimulus, enjoyable experience for everyone. This special evening provides children with sensory sensitivities and their families exclusive access to the Museum in a controlled, low-sensory environment. Overhead announcements, food smells, and other sensory inputs will be minimized. Admission is free, but registration is required. To maintain a sensory-friendly atmosphere, attendance is limited to 100 visitors.
Website: https://www.cdmfun.org/programs/sensory-night
Location: 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone Number: 423-756-2738
Jennifer Sawyer teaches private gymnastic classes for children with special needs.
Website: https://edge4gymnastics.square.site/#ioHUcX
Email: edge4gymnastics@gmail.com
Location: 8448 Gulf View Dr, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379
Phone Number: (423) 637-7358
Ginger Brown provides dance classes for children with special needs.
Website: http://gbacademy.com/
Email: gbacademy@att.net
Location: 3991 Cloud Springs Rd, Ringgold GA, 30736
Phone Number: (706) 861-6767
Green’s Karate combines Traditional Japanese Karate with Sensei Green’s own innovative techniques to teach a diverse range of students, including those with special needs. Sensei Green works extremely well with kids with autism of all ages and levels.
Main Dojo: 4107 Hixson Pike Chattanooga, TN 37415
Phone: 423-405-3656
Email: greenskarate@gmail.com
Website: http://greenskarate.com/
Starting in 2025, the last Sunday of every month will be sensory friendly for the whole day. Sensory kits and ear plugs will be available. ​​
Location: 221 E. Marietta Street
Canton, GA 30114
Phone: 423-405-3656
Email:
Website: historycherokee.org
​With a focus on sound, light, and touch, the sensory-friendly map with visitor guidelines and social narrative will assist youth on the Autism Spectrum or with sensory processing disorders in preparing for their visit and navigating the museum. Sometimes the Hunter museum offers sensory- friendly events call or email them on details for their next one.
Location: 10 Bluff View Chattanooga, TN 37403
Phone: 423-267-0968
Email: info@huntermuseum.org
Website: https://huntermuseum.org/events/event/sensory-studio
The Miracle League of Chattanooga provides a place where children with special needs can play ball! They typically begin in April and continue for 6-8 weeks through the summer.
​
Location: 301 W. 6th Street, Chattanooga, TN, United States, Tennessee
​
Phone: (423) 266-3766
Email: tglover@ymcachattanooga.org
Website: Miracle League of Chattanooga | Chattanooga TN | Facebook
Tellus Science Museum has three galleries dedicated to special exhibits that change every six months to a year, so there is always something new to see at the Museum. Plus they have permanent exhibits such as the Fossil Gallery.
Tellus Museum provides sensory friendly mornings every quarter. Check the event calendar for when they have the next sensory free morning. Tellus reccomends that you register in advance. ​
​
Location: 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120
Phone: (770) 606-5700
Website: https://tellusmuseum.org/
Therapeutic Recreation Division of the City of Chattanooga provides leisure and recreation opportunities for youth and adults with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities. They have many different sport programs and also provide health education and advocacy. Their programs help individuals can build confidence, improve physical and cognitive abilities, and expand support and social networks. To receive their newsletter or for more information regarding programs and summer camps, check out their website. Elaine Adams is their program coordinator.
​
Web address: Therapeutic Recreation (chattanooga.gov)
Location: Warner Park, 1254 E. 3rd St., Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: (423) 643-6607
Email: eadams@chattanooga.gov
The Dream League Baseball is the first league in Chattanooga designed for players that are mentally and/or physically challenged. The Dream League teaches basic playing skills and encourages each player to play to the best of their abilities. They teach about teamwork, good sportsmanship, but most importantly, they want it to be a chance to make new friends and have fun!!
The cost per player is $60 which includes a team shirt and hat and no one is turned away if they are unable to pay. In the spring, the league plays from the last of March thru the first of June, two games a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays!
Online sign-up and payment begins the second of January at www.rivermontyaa.org and sign-ups in person is the last two Saturdays in February from 10-2 and the last Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. For the fall, there are no fees to play and it starts in Mid-September thru Mid-October, two games per week, but no Saturdays!
​
Website: https://www.rivermontyaa.org/Default.aspx?tabid=378470
Contact: Dave Dake - League Commissioner, Coach 423-413-7979