Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville

Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville Founded in 1999 by parents of children with autism, Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Our mission is to provide services that enable adults with autism to lead purposeful lives. Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville was founded in 1999 by concerned parents to create support for adults with autistic spectrum disorders. Although between $236 and 265 billion dollars are spent annually on autism in the United States and nearly $175 billion is spent on adult services, after an adult with an autistic spectrum disorder ages out of the school system, little support is available to help them live meaningful and independent lives. These parents saw this problem and dreamt of a utopia where their children could be supported but not stifled in their personal growth and have the opportunity to thrive in a college campus-like setting. Today, Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville is an innovator and model of excellence in not only the region, but in the field. The person-centered, family-focused planning model strives to create opportunities for lifelong learning, community integration and purposeful, gainful employment for any individual supported who wants to work. At present, community living, community recreation, community service and community employment programs exist and further the mission of improving the lives of adults with autism. The organization continues to grow with the addition of a support group for adults with high functioning autism, a community liaison service and the Project SEARCH program at UT Medical Center. Project SEARCH is a nine month program providing internships at the hospital which develop job skills, social skills and connections with the community to strengthen the individual supported’s ties with their employer. Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville is always developing new concepts to expand the range of services provided and, as executive director Beth Ritchie says, to “perfect the dream”.

What a way celebrate some special birthdays🎉
08/28/2025

What a way celebrate some special birthdays🎉

🌟 Zoe came to the Project SEARCH site administered by Autism Breakthrough at UT Medical Center in February 2023. Initial...
08/28/2025

🌟 Zoe came to the Project SEARCH site administered by Autism Breakthrough at UT Medical Center in February 2023. Initially, Zoe was shy and timid, but she was very eager to get a job. She put forth enthusiasm and effort to absorb as much knowledge as possible. She had a strong interest in the Sterile Processing department, so our team recruited a new internship position just for her to try. She continually increased her interest in this area while the manager took an interest in her abilities and provided her with computer-based training modules as well as a surgical instrument book. Zoe was intent on memorizing and identifying all the instruments. During her third rotation, the manager created a position just for her, hiring her full-time in Sterile Processing. Today, Zoe tells the instructor, “I will retire from UTMC.” She loves her job! With her income, she was able to purchase a used Mercedes. Although Zoe’s disability prevents her from driving, when she must go somewhere, Zoe is chauffeured around by her natural supports in her Mercedes and arrives to work in style. 🌟

🍷✨ What an unforgettable night! ✨🍷Last Thursday, 120 guests joined us for our Take Home the Cellar wine tasting event, b...
08/25/2025

🍷✨ What an unforgettable night! ✨🍷

Last Thursday, 120 guests joined us for our Take Home the Cellar wine tasting event, bidding on 32 auction items, enjoying over 50 bottles of wine, and most importantly, celebrating the impact your support makes.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this special evening. We can’t wait to see you next time! 💛

🏈 Four tickets to see the Titans vs. Vikings preseason game at Nissan Stadium on Friday, August 22 are up for grabs in ...
08/18/2025

🏈 Four tickets to see the Titans vs. Vikings preseason game at Nissan Stadium on Friday, August 22 are up for grabs in our Silent Auction 🎟️🔥

Don’t miss your chance! This exclusive item is only available to those attending our Take Home the Cellar event. Get your tickets now. https://breakthroughknoxville.org/take-home-the-cellar/

A huge thank you to First Citizens Bank for sponsoring our Silent Auction and making experiences like this possible! 💙

Are you or someone you support interested in learning about MAPS (Medicaid Alternative Pathways) or ECF (Employment and ...
08/18/2025

Are you or someone you support interested in learning about MAPS (Medicaid Alternative Pathways) or ECF (Employment and Community First Choices)?

📅 Monday, August 25 | 6 PM
📍 Autism Breakthrough’s Autism & Community Outreach Center (1700 Liberty St., Knoxville – lower level)

Join us for a free in-person workshop to:
🔹 Learn about eligibility & benefits of MAPS and ECF
🔹 Get step-by-step help with applications
🔹 Connect with staff who can answer questions
🔹 Sign up for our Residential Services waitlist

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today: https://forms.gle/ud8EWofE1nNkUeRW8

Project Search is movin’ and shakin’ lately. First a group of Project Search interns got a tour of LIFESTAR including a ...
08/15/2025

Project Search is movin’ and shakin’ lately. First a group of Project Search interns got a tour of LIFESTAR including a LIFESTAR Helicopter and dispatch! 🚁 The next day a group had a full day of immersive learning. They went to the bank and learned how to open checking and savings accounts. A group lunch was provided but everyone got to learn how to individually pay the checks. Then a trip to the grocery store where they learned about name brand vs store brand, nutrition labels, and pricing! Everyone had a great time out in the community learning skills they will be responsible for themselves in the not too distant future.

08/14/2025

The Autism Breakthrough Foundation’s Take Home the Cellar wine tasting event is just 7 days away. Join us for an unforgettable evening of wine, community, and a chance to take home the entire cellar, all while supporting adults with autism in East Tennessee.

Get your tickets now before they’re gone:
https://breakthroughknoxville.org/take-home-the-cellar/

The rain held off just long enough to have some fun this morning!! We always have a great time, rain 🌧️ or shine ☀️, at ...
08/13/2025

The rain held off just long enough to have some fun this morning!! We always have a great time, rain 🌧️ or shine ☀️, at Soaky Mountain Waterpark

Hard at work learning lines at Theatre club 🎭
07/30/2025

Hard at work learning lines at Theatre club 🎭

Address

1700 Liberty Street
Knoxville, TN
37921

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Website

https://www.biggiveknox.org/organizations/autism-breakthrough

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