WHAT

A.R.T.S. (Autistic Recreational Therapy Services) is a DeKalb County, GA-based support and educational organization dedicated to empowering children with Autism and other intellectual disabilities. Our mission is to provide meaningful opportunities for learning life skills and building friendships in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.

At A.R.T.S., we believe every child deserves a place where they feel valued, supported, and excited to grow. Our goal is to create a space your child looks forward to—a place where learning is fun, friendships flourish, and confidence thrives.

WHY

Our founder and lead instructor, Tess Hall, began this journey inspired by her son Joshua, who is diagnosed with Level 1 Autism. As both a Special Education teacher and a mother, Tess recognized that many Exceptional Learners, like Josh, needed more than what traditional classrooms could offer—both academically and socially.

Motivated by the limited opportunities available and the misunderstandings often surrounding children with special needs, Tess made the life-changing decision to shift careers into education over six years ago. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a master’s degree in special education, equipping her to become a strong advocate for students with diverse learning needs.

Through her work in the school system, Tess discovered a critical gap: many students lacked the practical life skills needed to navigate the world beyond the classroom. She also saw the need for creative, individualized approaches to learning—ones that honor each child’s unique abilities.

A.R.T.S. was born out of this dual perspective—educator and parent—with a mission to empower Exceptional Learners through adaptive, responsive, and transformative support.

QUOTE

“I give my students NO limits when it comes to learning new things … every small victory leads to a mountain of success!” —Tess Hall

TELL ME MORE…

Dekalb-based A.R.T.S. nurtures intellectual curiosity, builds essential decision-making skills, and fosters meaningful connections with others.
Through a dynamic mix of hands-on learning, creative strategies, and personalized support, we equip our students with the tools they need to thrive. Our dedicated instructors follow a philosophy rooted in structure, empathy, and purpose—ensuring every child experiences growth with clear, results-driven outcomes.

TEACHERS

Love, compassion, and understanding are just a few of the qualities that we will give our Ausome kids. At A.R.T.S., we are excited to have an opportunity to meet your child’s special needs. Our goal is to make this day camp the best your child has ever had.

We have an amazing crew of wonderful, skilled staff just waiting for your child to share this wonderful venture together.