Tennessee Voices, Episode 282: Jessica Moore, interim executive director, Autism Tennessee
More than 25 years ago, a group of mothers who waiting while their children with autism received therapy created a community of support.
What started out as a way to help each other find resources has become Autism Tennessee, an advocacy group that connects caregivers, keeps them up to date on policy issues and organizes social events.
Jessica Moore, interim executive director of Autism TN, spoke with me on this episode of the Tennessee Voices video podcast about the group's mission and work.
In the United States, 1 in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Autism TN operates a helpline that assists more than 2,500 people a year with employment opportunities, critical information and other needs.
Throughout much of the pandemic, events went virtual, but Moore said Autism TN has been "baby stepping" it into in-person interaction again.
On the group's website, Autismtn.org, viewers can learn more about programming, closed support groups and fundraising opportunities. There is also a Spanish-language translation of the website with original content for Spanish speakers.
For more information, call 615-270-2077 or email support@autismtn.org.
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About Tennessee Voices
The Tennessee Voices videocast is a 20-minute program, which started in March 2020 and invites leaders, thinkers and innovators who have written guest columns for a USA TODAY Network Tennessee publication to share their insights and wisdom with me and our viewers.
Please email your ideas for future guests to me at dplazas@tennessean.com. Thank you for watching.
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David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee and an editorial board member of The Tennessean. Tweet to him at @davidplazas.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Voices: Caregivers of people with autism with Jessica Moore
