Hidden Bee Farm / Hidden Bee Learning

Preschool, kindergarten, and homeschool enrichment for ages 3 to 11 in Columbia Tennessee.

Home/Navigating Support For Neurodivergent Children And Children With Disabilities

Navigating Support For Neurodivergent Children And Children With Disabilities

A simple guide to evaluations, services, and family resources in Middle Tennessee

Many of our students are neurodivergent or have disabilities. We work with children who are autistic, have ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, and other developmental or medical needs. This page is meant to give families a simple starting point for finding evaluations, services, and support in Tennessee.

This guide is for information only. It is not legal or medical advice. Programs and rules can change over time, so always confirm details with the agencies listed.

Getting an evaluation in Tennessee

If you suspect your child may be autistic, have ADHD, a learning disability, or another developmental difference, there are usually two main routes to an evaluation:

1. School based evaluation

For school age children, parents can request a free evaluation through their local school district. This can lead to special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or accommodations through a 504 plan.

A school based evaluation usually includes:

  • Input from parents or guardians
  • Observations and testing by school psychologists or specialists
  • Teacher input
  • Review of medical or developmental history when needed

If the team finds that your child meets criteria under one of the IDEA disability categories, the school can offer an Individualized Education Program (IEP) with specific supports and services.

Families in Maury County can start by contacting the Maury County Public Schools Special Populations or Special Education department and asking how to request an evaluation.

2. Medical and private evaluations

Some families also pursue evaluations through:

  • Developmental pediatricians
  • Child psychologists or neuropsychologists
  • Speech and language pathologists
  • Occupational therapists

Medical evaluations can help with diagnosis, insurance coverage, and referrals to therapies. School and medical evaluations often work best together.

If you are not sure where to begin, organizations like TNSTEP and Tennessee Disability Pathfinder can help you understand options and find local providers.

TennCare and related programs

TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program. For children who qualify, it can help cover medical care, therapies, and other supports.

  • TennCare Kids provides comprehensive health screenings and medically necessary services for children and youth under 21 who are enrolled in TennCare.
  • The Katie Beckett program can help children with significant disabilities or complex medical needs who do not qualify for traditional TennCare because of family income. It has different parts that may offer Medicaid coverage or limited financial help for services that are not covered elsewhere.

Details about eligibility, income, and benefits can change, so families should always check directly with TennCare or talk with a knowledgeable support organization like TNSTEP for current guidance.

School based supports in Maury County

Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) provides special education and related services for eligible students with disabilities.

Examples of school based supports can include:

  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
  • 504 plans for accommodations
  • Speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other related services
  • Specialized instruction, small group support, or classroom accommodations

For the most current information, parents can:

  • Visit the Maury County Public Schools website
  • Contact the Special Populations or Special Education department directly and ask for guidance on evaluations, IEPs, or 504 plans

Staff titles, phone numbers, and office locations can change, so the safest step is to use the district website or main district phone number to confirm contact details.

Key Tennessee organizations that support families

These statewide organizations are often the most helpful starting point for families who are feeling overwhelmed.

TNSTEP

TNSTEP is Tennessee’s federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. It helps families understand special education, IEPs, and disability rights.

TNSTEP offers workshops, one on one support, and resources for families of children with disabilities or special health care needs.

Family Engagement In Special Education – Tennessee

This project supports families who have children receiving special education services.

They provide information about IEPs, rights, collaboration with schools, and ways for families to be active partners in their child’s education.

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder helps families find services and supports across the state.

They maintain a statewide database of providers and can help connect families with local resources, support groups, and programs.

Children’s Special Services (CSS)

Children’s Special Services (CSS) is a program of the Tennessee Department of Health that can help with medical care and coordination for children and youth with certain chronic physical conditions.

CSS staff can explain eligibility and help families understand what support might be available.

KidCentral TN

KidCentral TN is a state website that brings together information on children’s health, education, development, and family support.

Families can search for topics like disability, mental health, therapies, and local resources.

Practical supports and financial considerations

Every family situation is different, but some common supports to look into include:

  • Possible private insurance or TennCare coverage for therapies, medical visits, and equipment
  • Federal programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children with disabilities in low income households
  • Possible tax credits or deductions related to medical or dependent care expenses

Because financial rules and tax law change often, families should speak with a benefits counselor, social worker, or tax professional who understands disability related issues.

How Hidden Bee Learning supports neurodivergent children and children with disabilities

Hidden Bee Learning is not a therapy center and we do not provide clinical services or diagnoses. What we do offer is:

  • Small group classroom environments with clear routines
  • Sensory informed, respectful expectations and classroom structure
  • A mix of indoor and outdoor learning that allows for movement and breaks
  • Staff who understand that behavior is communication and that children do well when they can

We work with families to understand a child’s strengths, challenges, and supports that help them succeed in a group setting. When a child needs services outside of what we provide, we encourage families to connect with the organizations listed above.

Helpful homeschooling and education resources

These links can help families who are homeschooling or considering homeschooling a neurodivergent child or a child with disabilities:

  • Tennessee Department of Education homeschooling information
  • Your local school district’s homeschool or special education page
  • Homeschool legal and advocacy organizations that summarize Tennessee homeschool law and special education options

Because requirements can differ by district and change over time, always verify details with official sources.

Explore more