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The Stables Autism Program
About Us
The Stables Autism Program is a specialized residential treatment program for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurodivergent tendencies, and a dedicated sister facility of Pasadena Villa Smoky Mountain Lodge, located on a serene 25-acre property in Sevierville, Tennessee, near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our intimate 9-bed facility offers one of the lowest staff-to-client ratios available — delivering the personalized attention and individualized programming that adults with autism deserve.
At The Stables, we recognize that not all great minds think alike. Our program serves as a bridge to independence, empowering adults with autism spectrum disorder and neurodivergent tendencies to build the skills, confidence, and self-direction needed for long-term success — while exploring the possibilities of a more independent, engaged life.
What we treat
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), neurodivergent tendencies
Who we treat
Adults (18+) of all genders
Payment options
Private pay only
Medicare/Medicaid
Not accepted
Voices from Our Community
Every journey at The Stables is unique — and every story is worth hearing. Through animal-assisted therapy, real-world skill building, and individualized clinical care, our clients and their families experience progress that extends far beyond treatment. Watch as they share what life at The Stables has meant for their independence, confidence, and quality of life.
Our Treatment Approach
At The Stables Autism Program, we take a personalized and adaptive approach to autism treatment, ensuring that each client receives the support they need to thrive. Our programming integrates evidence-based practices to meet clients where they are, helping them build confidence, coping strategies, and social and life skills.
Our Program
Residential treatment programs specifically designed for adults with autism spectrum disorder are rare — and truly exceptional ones are rarer still. At The Stables, our intimate setting supports truly individualized programming, free from the competing demands of a general psychiatric facility. Our highly skilled team collaborates with each client and their loved ones to develop a personalized treatment plan rooted in evidence-based autism therapies and our proprietary Social Integration Model™.
Every aspect of our program is structured around real-world experiences — mirroring the daily challenges of home, work, and social environments — to build the skills, confidence, and autonomy adults with autism need to thrive in daily living, working, and social environments.
How We Treat
- Behavioral interventions
- Experiential therapy (family systems approach)
- Life skills + independence building
- Mindfulness activities
- Motivational interviewing
- Vocational skills development + employment
Treatment Groups
- Anger + behavioral control
- Anger management
- Community meeting
- Cooking
- Co-occurring conditions
- Good overall living skills (GOALS)
- Healing through Feeling group
- Living Well group
- Medication support
- Self-responsibility + assertiveness
The Stables
Helping Hands Work Program
The Helping Hands Work Program is one of the most distinctive elements of care at The Stables. This structured, hands-on vocational program builds real-world skills through meaningful daily responsibilities.
Clients earn progress badges by completing tasks such as feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining therapy spaces. This progressive system reinforces routine, accountability, and a strong work ethic — the same qualities that translate directly to employment readiness and independent living.
More than job training, Helping Hands cultivates a sense of purpose. Clients leave each day knowing their contributions matter — to the animals in their care, to the community around them, and to their own growth.
Life Skills + Independence
Building essential life skills is central to everything we do at The Stables. Through one-on-one guidance, our team helps each client develop practical tools for everyday success — from hygiene and mealtime etiquette to cooking, employment readiness, and independent living.
These experiences form the foundation of our bridge-to-independence model, equipping adults with autism with the confidence and capabilities needed for a meaningful, self-directed life.
Behavioral Interventions
At The Stables, behavioral support is rooted in a strength-based approach — empowering clients to make informed choices, learn from natural consequences, and develop self-awareness in real time.
Our team is trained in the TEACCH method, a research-supported framework specifically developed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Clinicians observe behaviors as they occur and collaborate to develop individualized interventions, responding in the moment to support growth, regulation, and skill development.
The Stables Difference
The Social Integration Model™
Our proprietary Social Integration Model™ goes beyond symptom stabilization — equipping clients with the social, emotional, and functional skills needed to sustain independence in everyday life. It's not just treatment. It's preparation for what comes next.
Individualized Clinical Care
No two clients are alike. At The Stables, every treatment plan is built around each individual's history, diagnosis, and goals — combining psychiatric evaluation, evidence-based therapies, and ongoing clinical assessment to drive meaningful, measurable progress.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
At The Stables, animal-assisted therapy is woven into the fabric of daily life — not an occasional add-on, but a core clinical modality. Through structured interactions with horses, goats, and other animals, clients develop emotional regulation, communication skills, empathy, and confidence in a uniquely powerful way that traditional therapy alone cannot replicate.
The Stables Autism Program is accredited by The Joint Commission — the gold standard in behavioral health care quality. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to clinical excellence, client safety, and measurable outcomes.
Our Facility
Explore Our Campus
Paying for Care
Payment Options
The Stables Autism Program is a private pay program. Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance are not accepted.
Have questions about admissions or payment? Our admissions team is available to help — call 256.240.0067 or reach out for a confidential consultation. We’re here when you’re ready.
Our Leadership
Meet Our Team
The Stables Autism Program is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals with specialized expertise in autism spectrum disorder, neurodivergent care, and evidence-based behavioral interventions. From clinicians to support staff, every member of our team is committed to each client’s progress — and to the culture of excellence that defines The Stables.
Brenda Keller
LPC
Chief Executive Officer
John Kupfner
MD
Medical Director
Travis Houser
Director of Plant Operations
Shelby Kleiner
LMSW
Therapist
Alexis Clegg
LMSW
Therapist
Juliet Winters
Milieu Supervisor
A Supportive Setting for Lasting Growth
At The Stables Autism Program, our tranquil, home-like setting provides adults with autism and neurodivergent tendencies a real-world environment designed for meaningful growth. Nestled on 25 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, our campus fosters emotional regulation, social connection, and confidence in daily routines — the building blocks of lasting independence.
Take the next step at The Stables.
Our admissions team is available to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process. Reach out for a confidential consultation — we’re here when you’re ready.
Your privacy is our priority. All communication is completely confidential.