It's autism. Now what?
If you have a family member with autism and you live in the Tupelo area, many resources are available for you – from educational therapy to childhood counseling to biomedical doctors to support group meetings. (The Tupelo Autism League lists these resources for informational purposes only and does not necessarily endorse these services.)
Early Intervention
If your child is age 3 or under, you are eligible for assistance through the Mississippi State Department of Health's Early Intervention Program (First Steps). First Steps is a program that matches the unique needs of infants and toddlers who have developmental delays with professional resources within the community. If you have a child up to 3 years old, First Steps will provide educational material and other resources to help you recognize developmental problems as early as possible.
To find out more about First Steps and find out whether you are eligible, contact the Northeast Mississippi First Steps coordinator Susan Boone at (662) 841-9015. Her office is located in the Tupelo Department of Health building at 532 South Church Street.
Public Schools
The public school district in which you live is required to assess children ages 3 and up for developmental disabilities and provide them the appropriate services. In Tupelo, the Early Childhood Education Center offers free schooling – complete with one-on-one instruction and therapy – for children ages 3 and up with developmental disabilities like autism.
Therapy
There are at least three organizations in Tupelo that provide free therapies for people with autism:
DAN! doctors
DAN! stands for Defeat Autism Now! These doctors are those who have been certified by DAN! to treat people with autism using the biomedical approach.
Support group
The Autism Support Group meets once each month at 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Lee County Library, corner of Jefferson and Madison Streets in downtown Tupelo. Free and open to the public. For information, contact Missy Caldwell at missycaldwell@yahoo.com.
Early Intervention
If your child is age 3 or under, you are eligible for assistance through the Mississippi State Department of Health's Early Intervention Program (First Steps). First Steps is a program that matches the unique needs of infants and toddlers who have developmental delays with professional resources within the community. If you have a child up to 3 years old, First Steps will provide educational material and other resources to help you recognize developmental problems as early as possible.
To find out more about First Steps and find out whether you are eligible, contact the Northeast Mississippi First Steps coordinator Susan Boone at (662) 841-9015. Her office is located in the Tupelo Department of Health building at 532 South Church Street.
Public Schools
The public school district in which you live is required to assess children ages 3 and up for developmental disabilities and provide them the appropriate services. In Tupelo, the Early Childhood Education Center offers free schooling – complete with one-on-one instruction and therapy – for children ages 3 and up with developmental disabilities like autism.
Therapy
There are at least three organizations in Tupelo that provide free therapies for people with autism:
- The Regional Rehabilitation Center – A fully trained staff offering free speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy for people of all ages. The rehab center works with MSDH's First Steps program to provide early intervention services to infants and toddlers. Contact (662) 842-1891 for more information.
- Autism Center of Tupelo – A diverse team of specialists offering free assessments, one-on-one therapy for children including ABA and Play therapy, as well as parent workshops. The center is located at 100 Parkgate Drive Extended, Suite 2B, Tupelo. Contact (662) 821-2012 for more information.
- Spectrum Educational Solutions – Headed by Dr. Mark Wildmon, the center offers assessments, parent training and one-on-one ABA therapy for children and young adults. His office is located in Tupelo near the West Main Street Wal-Mart. Contact (901) 628-8016 for more information.
- Priscilla Roth-Wall – Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in childhood and adolescent emotional and behavior problems:. Her office is located 1800 West Main Street, Suite 114, Tupelo. Contact at (662) 620-8000.
- Clyde Sheehan – Pediatric Psychiatrist specializing in childhood and adolescent emotional and behavior problems:. His office is located at 1040 South Madison Street, Tupelo. Contact (662) 844-4364.
DAN! doctors
DAN! stands for Defeat Autism Now! These doctors are those who have been certified by DAN! to treat people with autism using the biomedical approach.
- Dr. William Barlow of BMR Chiropractors in Tupelo. His office is at 398 Eason Boulevard and his phone is (662) 844-1414.
- Dr. Timothy Callaghan, a family doctor. His office is at 403 Getwell Drive, Suite B, in Senatobia, and his phone is (662) 301-1128.
Support group
The Autism Support Group meets once each month at 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Lee County Library, corner of Jefferson and Madison Streets in downtown Tupelo. Free and open to the public. For information, contact Missy Caldwell at missycaldwell@yahoo.com.
