Q: What do you do at TEAM?
A: We provide a variety of services for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

• TEAM has three multi-specialty clinics (Atlanta/Chattanooga/Memphis). All specialize in evaluation and assessments of people with developmental disabilities of all ages. The Chattanooga and Atlanta based clinics also offer treatment services (medical, psychological, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech/language therapy).
• TEAM manages the state's Family Support Program, which provides support for families/individuals with extreme developmental disabilities.
• TEAM provides Behavior Support Services for families/individuals on the Medicaid Waiver (Middle and East Tennessee. Their staff includes behavior analyst directors and board certified behavior analysts.
• TEAM founded the Chattanooga Autism Center which is run by parents and advocates who create supports for families/individuals on the autism spectrum. This program expands well beyond Chattanooga.

Q: Who does TEAM serve?
A: TEAM serves people of all ages (infancy through elderly)  who have developmental disabilities, including people with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, Down Syndrome, ADHD, learning disabilities, speech and language delays, sensory issues, and many more.

Q: What Insurance does TEAM accept?
A: TEAM accepts TennCare, Medicare, and many private insurance. Please call 423-622-0500 ext 0 to find out more details.

Q: Do you do evaluations for Social Security Disability eligibility?
A: No. We refer people to SS Administration who have their own psychologists who must do these evaluations. Contact your local Social Security office and request an evaluation through them.

Q: What is ASD? Why is Autism on a "spectrum?"
A: "Autism Spectrum Disorders" is a layperson's term for the diagnostic category of "Pervasive Developmental Disorders." This category includes the following diagnoses:

• Aspergers
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD NOS)
• Autism
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Rett’s Syndrome

These diagnoses share some common qualities but vary from higher functioning to lower functioning and are thus referred to being on a spectrum. Additionally, there are three defined areas of functioning that form the criteria for autism diagnoses: communication, social interactions, and patterns of behavior and interests. However, each person with an autism-related diagnosis has a unique way of displaying differences in those areas.  We use the term "spectrum" to represent the wide variance of characteristics between persons with these diagnoses.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: Call 423-622-0550 ext 0. We'll take some initial information and send you an intake packet to complete and return (mail or drop off). When we receive your completed intake packet, we will call and schedule your first appointment.

Q: What can I expect when I go to my first appointment at TEAM?
A: TEAM will complete legal paperwork, review medical history, determine your unique needs and concerns, and outline an assessment and treatment plan. Assessment will continue at follow-up appointments. The number and type of follow-ups depend on your specific needs and concerns. TEAM's clinicians will completely explain the results of the assessment and address all your questions and concerns. Treatment plans (if applicable) are also presented based on the outcomes of your assessment.

Q: What is a Developmental Disability?
A: A developmental disability, according to the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, is defined as a severe, chronic disability which started at birth or during childhood, is expected to continue indefinitely, and substantially restricts the individual's functioning in several major life activities such as school, taking care of him or herself. Click this link for a more detailed description and examples of developmental disabilities.

Q: Do you do testing for Dyslexia?
A: Yes. Although there is no single test for dyslexia, this condition can be assessed by a combination of measures. The definition of dyslexia varies along with its frequency of occurrence. Three criteria are usually required:

• Near normal general intelligence;
• Severe decoding problems in reading;
• Satisfactory comprehension of information read to the student.

Other conditions that often occur in students with dyslexia include:

• Problems with language
• Low self-esteem
• Avoidance of reading