About Us
At The Stables, we recognize that not all great minds think alike. To help clients reach their full potential, we offer a wide range of individualized programming tailored to their pace and needs. Our program serves as a bridge to independence — empowering individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurodivergent tendencies to build the skills, confidence, and self-direction needed for long-term success, while comfortably exploring the possibilities of a more independent, engaged life.
Located on a serene 25-acre property, our home-like 9-bed facility provides a low staff-to-client ratio, offering personalized attention and support. The Stables creates a realistic environment that mirrors daily challenges individuals experience at home, school, or the workplace, offering authentic, real-life experiences to support new learning and growth.
What we treat
Autism + neurodivergent tendencies
Who we treat
Adults (ages 18+) of all genders
Payment options
Private pay only
Medicare/Medicaid?
Not accepted
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
It can be challenging to find a treatment center specifically tailored for adults with autism and neurodivergent tendencies. At The Stables, our intimate setting — free from competing clinical demands — supports truly individualized programming. Led by a highly skilled team, we collaborate with each client and their loved ones to develop a personalized treatment plan rooted in evidence-based autism therapies and our Social Integration Model™.
Every aspect of our program is thoughtfully structured to support independence readiness through real-world experiences that build the skills, confidence, and autonomy needed 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 (ABC)
- 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
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.
Clients earn progress badges by completing daily tasks such as feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining therapy spaces, which reinforces routine, accountability, and a strong work ethic.
This hands-on experience builds confidence, essential life skills, and a sense of purpose, laying the groundwork for greater independence and future employment opportunities.
Behavioral Interventions
We take a strength-based approach that empowers clients to make informed choices in a safe and supportive environment. This allows them to learn from natural consequences and develop self-awareness in real-time.
Aligned with the TEACCH method, our team observes behaviors as they occur and collaborates to develop individualized interventions, responding in the moment to support growth, regulation, and skill development.
Life Skills & Independence
Building essential life skills is a core part of our program, supporting each client’s path toward greater independence and confidence.
Through one-on-one guidance, our team helps clients develop practical tools for everyday success, encompassing a range of skills from hygiene and mealtime etiquette to cooking, employment readiness, and independent living.
These experiences form the foundation of our bridge-to-independence model, preparing clients for a smooth and supported transition into adulthood and daily life.
The Stables Difference
The Social Integration Model™
As the heart of our programming, this proprietary treatment model focuses on real-life situations, ensuring vital social and life skills are learned and practiced under professional guidance.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Our treatment approach is firmly grounded in evidence-based therapies and individualized treatment plans tailored to each client's specific needs. Our outcomes are a testament to the impact of our methods.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
As part of our philosophy of healing and skill-building, The Stables offers animal-assisted therapy sessions and evidence-based, nature-centered outdoor experiences.
The Stables is proudly certified by The Joint Commission, reflecting our dedication to delivering high-quality client care and maintaining a culture of clinical excellence.
Our Facility
Explore Our Campus
Paying for Care
Payment Options
The Stables Autism Program operates on a private pay basis only. For questions about payment or admissions, please get in touch with our admissions team at 256.240.0067.
Our Leadership
Meet Our Team
The Stables is led by a team of dedicated, experienced professionals committed to providing high-quality care. Our ASD treatment model is designed to offer practical, real-time life strategies, empowering our clients to attain greater independence in their lives.
Brenda Keller
LPC
Chief Executive Officer
John Kupfner, MD
Medical Director
Travis Houser
Director of Plant Operations
Cheryl Brown
Lead Therapist
Shelby Kleiner
Therapist
A Supportive Setting for Lasting Growth
At The Stables Autism Program, our tranquil, home-like setting helps adults with autism and neurodivergent tendencies build independence and life skills in a real-world environment. Nestled on 25 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, our space fosters emotional regulation, social connection, and confidence in daily routines. This supportive atmosphere empowers individuals to transition smoothly into independent living.
Start healing at The Stables.
Our admissions experts are here to answer your questions and help you begin the process.
Contact us today at 256.240.0067 or complete our form to learn how we can support your journey to recovery.
Your privacy is our priority. All communication is completely confidential.
