About Us

Founded in 1957, Harwood Center is a private nonprofit agency that provides education, therapy and support for Mid-South families and children who have developmental disabilities. Since opening its doors, Harwood Center has helped more than 5,000 children with developmental disabilities get a better start in life.

Our program consists of therapeutic services for children age 2 years through transition to kindergarten who have a diagnosed developmental disability or are experiencing delays in their development or have behavior challenges. Services are primarily offered at our clinic at the University of Memphis and our preschool classroom at Hanley. These services are delivered by highly qualified staff led by licensed special education teachers, board certified behavior analysts, educational specialists & behavior technicians. Our goal is to help children reach their full potential by learning functional skills to enhance their development. Ongoing training and support is provided to our families.

Harwood specializes in children with developmental & behavioral challenges and who have diagnoses such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, speech, language & processing disorders, physical & gross motor disorders, prematurity, behavioral disorders, and many other developmental disabilities. Its location at University of Memphis permits Harwood to serve children from all areas of Shelby, surrounding counties in West Tennessee as well as Mississippi & Arkansas.

Children are eligible for services through Harwood Center if they have a diagnosed developmental disability or experiencing identified delays in their development & are at risk.