Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out if my child has autism or another behavioral disorder?

Harwood Center has Board Certified Behavior Analysts who conduct the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT) to determine if a psychological evaluation is needed for children whose parents have concerns about autism. You can learn more on the Services page, or you may contact Harwood Center.

What disabilities does Harwood Center treat?

Harwood offers year-round, individualized educational services to students who have been diagnosed with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, visual and hearing impairments, prematurity, behavioral disorders, and spina bifida.

Can my child be treated in our home?

Yes. Harwood Center provides behavioral services to children in their homes, at their childcare facilities, and at our Centers. Children may attend Harwood two, three, or five days a week for a full day of school that provides outstanding, early childhood education.

How much does it cost to send my child to Harwood Center?

Harwood offers low-cost, specialized preschool services, and some families are eligible to receive Harwood services at no cost. To find out if you qualify, or for a complete list of our service fees, contact Harwood.

What are signs of autism and other behavioral issues?

If your child displays any of the following behaviors, contact Harwood Center for a Behavior Observation session and report:

Loss or lack of language
Social interaction problems
Repetitive behaviors
Poor play skills
Poor eye contact
Issues with parent-child relationships or sibling relationships
Attention problems
Aggression
Sleep problems
Tantrums
Mealtime problems

Is my child eligible for Harwood services?

Children are eligible for services through Harwood Center if they meet the eligibility guidelines for Tennessee’s Early Intervention System. Click here to view these guidelines.

Where is Harwood located?

There are three Harwood Centers in the Memphis area — Downtown/Medical Center, East Memphis, and Cordova. To see locations and get maps and directions, click here.

What’s the background/history of Harwood Center?

Here are milestones of Harwood:

  • Founded in 1957, Harwood Center serves children from birth to age five with developmental disabilities.
  • In 1972, Harwood Center became a 501(c)(3) United Way agency.
  • From 1974 to 1994, Harwood Center assisted the Memphis City Schools special education department.
  • In 1992, Harwood Center spread its outreach to a second location at the Memphis Jewish Community Center, 6560 Poplar Avenue, to serve more children and families.
  • In 1999, the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) designated Harwood Center as an early intervention resource agency.
  • In 2003, TDOE selected Harwood Center to help develop a statewide training program on autism for early intervention providers.
  • In 2009, Harwood Center partnered with Les Passees, Inc. to fund Harwood’s third location at Hope Presbyterian Preschool, 8500 Walnut Grove.