Let's Talk About Resources! 🙃
Welcome to our Resources Page! This is your go-to space for helpful tools and trusted support in Rutherford County and surrounding areas.
Here, you’ll find a curated list of local therapy providers offering services like ABA, speech, and occupational therapy—complete with contact details, services offered, and how to get started.
We’ve also included practical resources for families navigating picky eating, with tips and strategies to make mealtime more manageable and less stressful.
Additionally, you’ll find coping tools and calming strategies that can support both kids and parents during tough moments—because your well-being matters too.
Explore, connect, and find what works best for your family.
Local ABA, Speech, & Occupational Therapy Facilities
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Project Play Therapy – Smyrna
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Address: 739 President Pl, Suite 110, Smyrna, TN 37167
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Phone: Clinic Coordinator: (615) 236-8400; Off Hours Scheduling Line: (615) 852-5955; Intake: (615) 852-6240
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Services: Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavior therapy (ABA), feeding therapy, psychoeducational evaluations, and music therapy.
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Website:
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BlueSprig – Smyrna
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Address: 883 Seven Oaks Dr, Suite #850, Smyrna, TN 37167
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Phone: (629) 216-2007
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Services: ABA therapy services focusing on early intervention, adolescent programs, specialty services, and various service settings including center-based, home-based, community-based, virtual, and school-based therapy.
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Website:
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Hopebridge Murfreesboro West Autism Therapy Center
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Address: 2740 St. Andrews Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
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Phone: (615) 632-2003
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Services: ABA therapy, diagnostic assessments, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, feeding and swallowing therapy, and family guidance for children up to 10 years old.
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Website:
Vitamins
Picky Eater Tips
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Cut fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces for easier eating.
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Offer a variety of options to find what they like.
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Make snacks fun and engaging by using colorful plates and playful presentations.
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Involve them in the snack-making process to foster a sense of ownership.
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Be patient and persistent, as it may take time for picky eaters to develop new eating habits.
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil, DHA, EPA)
Benefits:
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Supports brain development and cognitive function
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Improves focus, attention, and behavior
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Helps with mood regulation and emotional stability
2. Vitamin D
Benefits:
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Supports brain function and immune health
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May reduce inflammation linked to autism symptoms
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Helps with mood and emotional regulation
3. Magnesium
Benefits:
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Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety
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Supports sleep quality and muscle function
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May help with hyperactivity and sensory processing
4. Vitamin B6 with Magnesium
Benefits:
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Supports neurotransmitter function (dopamine and serotonin)
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May improve speech, communication, and social interaction
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Helps with irritability and emotional regulation
5. Probiotics
Benefits:
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Supports gut health and digestion
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May help with food sensitivities and gastrointestinal issues common in autistic children
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Enhances immune system function
6. Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Benefits:
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Supports brain development and nerve function
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Helps with energy levels and metabolism
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May aid in improving speech and social interactions
7. Zinc
Benefits:
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Supports immune function and wound healing
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Helps with focus, attention, and mood regulation
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May reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity
8. Folate (Methylfolate, not Folic Acid)
Benefits:
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Supports brain function and neurotransmitter activity
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Helps with methylation, a biochemical process linked to autism symptoms
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May improve language and social skills
9. Iron (if deficient)
Benefits:
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Supports cognitive function and focus
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Helps with sleep quality and energy levels
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Low iron levels may contribute to behavioral issues
10. Multivitamin with Antioxidants
Benefits:
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Provides essential nutrients that may be lacking in a restricted diet
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Supports overall brain and immune health
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Antioxidants like Vitamin C and E help reduce oxidative stress
Note: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplements, as every child's needs are unique.
SNACK RECIPES
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Fruits: Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits (berries, apples, bananas, grapes)
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Vegetables: Raw or steamed vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, bell peppers)
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Yogurt: Plain or flavored with fruit or granola
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Cheese and Crackers: Whole grain crackers with cheese slices
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Hard-boiled Eggs: A good source of protein and healthy fats
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Smoothies: Blend fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or nut butter for a customizable snack
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Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
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Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: A classic and satisfying combination
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Quesadillas: Made with whole wheat tortillas, cheese, and vegetables
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Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn with a sprinkle of salt or herbs
Many autistic children thrive on predictability. Practicing meditation and coping techniques at the same time each day can make them more effective and easier to incorporate into daily life. Here are some helpful recommendations...
Meditation Techniques:
1. Deep Breathing (Belly Breathing)
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Encourage the child to breathe in through the nose for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, and exhale slowly through the mouth for 6 seconds.
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Helps reduce anxiety, improve focus, and create a sense of calm.
2. Guided Visualization
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Use storytelling or audio recordings with calming imagery (e.g., “Imagine you’re floating on a cloud” or “walking on a peaceful beach”).
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Engages the imagination while promoting relaxation and stress relief.
3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
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Guide the child through tensing and relaxing different muscle groups from head to toe.
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Helps release physical tension and increase body awareness.
4. Mindful Sensory Awareness
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Focus on one sense at a time (e.g., listening to soft music, feeling a textured object, or smelling lavender).
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Helps with grounding, reducing overstimulation, and improving sensory processing.
5. Mantra or Affirmation Repetition
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Teach simple, positive phrases like “I am calm” or “I am safe.”
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Repeating affirmations can reinforce positive thinking and self-regulation.
6. Nature-Based Meditation
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Encourage mindfulness outdoors by listening to birds, feeling the breeze, or watching leaves sway.
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Provides a soothing environment for relaxation and sensory balance.
Coping Techniques:
1. Sensory Breaks
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Create a safe, quiet space where the child can retreat when feeling overwhelmed (e.g., a cozy tent, weighted blanket, or sensory-friendly corner).
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Helps regulate emotions and prevent meltdowns.
2. Movement-Based Regulation
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Activities like yoga, stretching, or bouncing on a therapy ball can help release energy and reduce anxiety.
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Encourages self-regulation through movement.
3. Fidget Tools & Stress Balls
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Provide fidget toys, chewable jewelry, or putty to keep hands engaged.
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Helps with focus, anxiety reduction, and sensory needs.
4. Social Stories & Visual Schedules
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Use social stories to explain upcoming events or emotions.
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Visual schedules help with transitions and reduce anxiety about what’s next.
5. Art & Music Therapy
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Drawing, painting, or listening to calming music can serve as a creative emotional outlet.
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Helps with self-expression and relaxation.
6. Safe Physical Pressure (Deep Pressure Therapy)
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Weighted blankets, hugs, or squeezing a stuffed animal provide calming sensory input.
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Reduces stress and increases feelings of security.
7. Counting or Number Games
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Counting objects, tapping fingers, or repeating numbers in a sequence can provide a distraction during overwhelming moments.
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Encourages focus and cognitive grounding.
8. Emotion Identification & Regulation Tools
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Use emotion charts, color-coded feelings (e.g., "red = angry, blue = calm"), or apps to help identify emotions.
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Encourages emotional awareness and self-regulation.
Resource Links
Disclaimer: These are additional public resources. We are not affiliated with any of these programs.