The Stables Autism Program

“Stables was a transformative experience for my son. He arrived there deeply depressed, anxious, with chronic ocd. Left so much calmer with new strategies for coping and being around others . He felt loved and supported at all times and now he has returned has been able to start a job which is going well. I have recommended Stables to other parents who have tried other treatments without success.”

“I had a great experience at the Stables. Everyone was respectful of my gender identity and ensured that it was an open and understanding environment. Props to Julius Jefferies for helping me navigate family sessions, and for writing recommendation letters for my college applications. I have to give Jaime my ultimate thanks for her mindful movement sessions, which ensured that I got some form of work out and stimulation while I was in treatment. It was essential in calming down my essential tremors in an effort to rebuild my body. She’s also an artist in how she conducts her sessions, always implementing creativity into our stretches and changing style when needed. She’s also flexible in her approach to accommodate the differing needs of residents for each day. It would be a huge disservice to remove her from the program as she was critical to my treatment.”

“I would like to thank the entire staff at The Stables and at Smoky Mountain Lodge. My young adult autistic son arrived at Smoky Mountain Lodge extremely sick and received care at The Stables program. I am happy to see a huge change in his behavior and appreciate all the kind support and treatment that everyone gave him. I will be forever grateful. What a wonderful blessing it is for his future. The medication management and all the different types of therapy they offer helped with his recovery. Thanks again!”

“My son is a very smart young man. He graduated high school at the top of his class and was offered scholarships to every college he applied to. Unfortunately, without the routine and support system we had built at home, he was unable to manage at college, or achieve independence. He was quickly overwhelmed and responded with self-isolation. He decompensated, and struggled with self-esteem issues, depression, and anxiety. He felt like a failure. We just couldn’t get him out of this vicious cycle of isolation, poor follow through, no plan or motivation, etc. He seemed “stuck”, and unable to find his path.

After trying everything we knew including taking him to counselors and having him work several part-time jobs that didn’t last, we found the Stables Autism Program. My son spent three months at the Stables. Through their multidisciplinary program (individual and group discussions, counseling, animal-assisted therapy, music therapy, group outings to practice skills learned, etc.), he learned about himself and the world around him. He came home feeling less alone. He learned about being on the spectrum, and how that impacts how he sees and reacts to the world. He was able to establish goals that were important to him and was supported and encouraged to achieve them. He experienced successes, identified obstacles, and was taught to take greater responsibility for his actions.

He has only been home a week, but I see a much more self-confident young man, who is able to express himself easier. He’s not an ideal schedule yet, but he is working on it. He has been extremely helpful with chores here at home and is planning on signing up for an online class as he adjusts to being back home. I believe that as he experiences success, he will continue to make positive steps forward.”