Someone is in immediate danger
Tell dispatch what is happening and your exact location.
Emergency contacts
Urgent help
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 now.
Forms and email are not monitored for emergencies.
What is happening?
My child is missing
Tell 911 your child is autistic or disabled and may not respond to their name.
While help is coming
- Check nearby water first when it is safe.
- Have a recent photo and clothing description ready.
- Keep one person by the phone or door in case your child returns.
More missing-child steps
- Tell dispatch where your child was last seen and likely destinations.
- Ask responders to search places your child is drawn to, including water, traffic, playgrounds, or familiar routes.
- Give responders communication, sensory, behavior, and medical information that will help them approach safely.
Emotional or mental-health crisis
Free, confidential crisis support is available 24 hours a day.
Possible poisoning
Call if something toxic may have been swallowed, inhaled, or touched.
Report child abuse or neglect
A concern is enough; the Tennessee hotline is staffed 24/7.
Tennessee crisis support
The statewide crisis line remains available; use 988 first.
What to tell 911 about an autistic or disabled person
- How the person communicates and whether they respond to their name.
- What helps them stay calm and which sensory input may escalate distress.
- Whether they may run, hide, freeze, or have limited awareness of danger.
- Any seizures, medications, allergies, or other medical needs.
Ask responders to approach slowly and quietly and, when safe, keep a trusted person nearby.
Official sources and review dates
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (opens in a new tab)
- Tennessee 988 crisis information (opens in a new tab)
- Tennessee services for children and youth (opens in a new tab)
- Poison Help (opens in a new tab)
- Tennessee report-child-abuse information (opens in a new tab)
- Tennessee missing-children alert criteria (opens in a new tab)
Checked Aug. 2026
Around the village
Stay connected
Newsletter
One helpful email each month: the month ahead, deadline watch, what’s new in the library, and one hopeful story. Free, and no spam.
Calendar
Sensory-friendly events, support-group meetings, respite nights, and upcoming community programs around Middle Tennessee, updated regularly.
Online Support Group
A free, low-pressure hour with parents and caregivers who understand, online every Thursday from 7:00–8:00 PM. Cameras are optional and meetings are not recorded.
Village Hall
A monthly online conversation with a guest expert about one practical topic, followed by live Q&A. Registrants receive the presentation recording.