The Stables Autism Program

Autism
Residential
5.0
(11)
Private Pay

Set in the Smoky Mountains of Sevierville, The Stables Autism Program provides specialized residential treatment for adults with autism spectrum disorder and neurodivergent tendencies. Residents live on a 25-acre farm property where animal-assisted therapy, evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and hands-on experiences support emotional regulation, social connection, and practical skill development. The intimate 9-bed setting allows for highly personalized care focused on building confidence, autonomy, and greater independence.

Build Skills for Greater Independence

Treatment incorporates the research-supported TEACCH framework, the proprietary Social Integration Model™, and individualized clinical care to strengthen social, emotional, and functional skills. Through clinical groups, one-on-one guidance, and meaningful responsibilities within the Helping Hands Work Program, residents practice daily living, communication, emotional regulation, and vocational skills. These experiences help participants build greater confidence and autonomy in everyday life.

Establish Stability in a Farm Environment

The intimate 9-bed residence and low staff-to-client ratio support individualized attention within a calm, structured environment. Through animal-assisted therapy, outdoor activities, and responsibilities such as feeding animals and maintaining therapeutic spaces, residents practice routine, accountability, communication, and empathy. The farm setting provides opportunities to apply these skills in meaningful, real-world situations.

Transition Securely into Independent Living

The Stables uses a bridge-to-independence model to help residents develop practical skills for everyday success. Through individualized guidance, clinical programming, and hands-on experiences, participants strengthen skills related to personal care, cooking, employment readiness, social connection, and independent living. These experiences help build the confidence, autonomy, and capabilities needed to navigate home, work, and community settings.


The Stables Autism Program thumbnail
AT A GLANCE

Center Overview

Location
1222 Goose Gap Rd., Sevierville, TN 37876 View Map
Primary Focus
You receive personalized treatment for autism spectrum disorder at this ...
Typical Program Length
30+ days
Conditions We Treat
Neurodiversity
Lower Stress with Farm Interactions
Lower Stress with Farm Interactions
Residents work closely with animals every day to build emotional regulation and social connection. Feeding and caring for these animals offers a grounding routine that lowers stress. This hands-on farm work also teaches personal accountability and develops relationship skills that translate directly into better communication with other people.
Thrive with Predictable Schedules
Thrive with Predictable Schedules
Staff rely on the TEACCH method to organize daily life around visual learning and predictable routines. This framework avoids confusion by clearly showing expectations for every single activity. Residents do well because they always know what comes next, which lowers stress and lets them focus on learning new skills.
Develop a Strong Work Ethic
Develop a Strong Work Ethic
The Helping Hands Work Program builds real-world skills through daily responsibilities. Residents earn progress badges by feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining therapy spaces. This system reinforces routine and a strong work ethic, which are the same qualities required for long-term employment readiness and successful, independent adult living.
Gain Self-Sufficiency for Independence
Gain Self-Sufficiency for Independence
The daily curriculum builds executive functioning through ordinary household habits. Residents practice meal preparation, laundry, and personal hygiene routines while learning to track basic spending. Mastering these everyday chores ensures that adults gain the practical skills needed to run their own homes safely.

Recovery.com Verified Listing

Recovery.com verified that the name, location, contact information and license to operate for this treatment provider are valid and up-to-date.

Joint Commission Accredited

Joint Commission Accredited

Licensed by Tennessee

Licensed by Tennessee

Recovery.com is an independent, third-party mental health resource. Verification does not imply endorsement and does not guarantee the quality of treatment services.

Staff

Meet Your Care Team

Brenda Keller

Brenda Keller

CEO

LPC

John Kupfner

John Kupfner

Medical Director

MD

Deanna Purslow

Deanna Purslow

Director of Clinical Operations

BCBA, LBA

Travis Houser

Travis Houser

Director of Plant Operations

Treatment

Your Care Options

Specializations

Animal Therapy
Neurodivergent

Who We Treat

Men
Women
Men and Women
Neurodivergent

Treatment Services

Residential

Approaches

Evidence-Based
Experiential
Family Involvement
Non 12 Step

Therapies

1-on-1 Counseling
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Animal Therapy
Art Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Experiential Therapy
Family Therapy
Group Therapy

Languages

English

Conditions We Treat

Neurodiversity
Experience

Care Designed for Your Needs

Personal Amenities

Access to Nature
Private or Shared Rooms

Amenities

Access to Nature
Outdoor Lounge
Frequently Asked Questions

Further Research

The Stables offers individual and group therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and behavioral interventions informed by the research-supported TEACCH framework. Treatment also incorporates the proprietary Social Integration Model™ and hands-on life-skills and vocational activities through the Helping Hands Work Program.

Sevierville, Tennessee, United States.

The typical length of stay is 30 days or more, but the duration of treatment varies based on each individual’s progress, clinical needs, and response to care. The treatment team works collaboratively to determine the appropriate length of stay, subject to insurance approval when applicable.

The Stables Autism Program provides residential treatment for adults with autism spectrum disorder and neurodivergent tendencies in a structured, supportive setting.