Affecting 1 in 150 people, it is more prevalent than AIDS, pediatric cancer, and diabetes put together. It hinders an individual’s ability to use proper communication and social skills. It strikes males four times more than females, but impacts all races, ethnicities and cultural groups. However, with a vast amount of treatments available and more awareness and money being devoted to the cause, there is promise for those affected by Autism. WVPT is pleased to devote this web page to Autism resources.

Past Events
On October 4 WVPT broadcasted a PBS program titled AUTISM: We Thought You’d Never Ask. In this program, six adults living with autism discuss their thoughts and feelings in intimate and explicit ways. During this program, one will see the world through their eyes and discover what it is like to occupy their bodies.

On Friday, September 11, 2009, WVPT, the Virginia Cooperative Extension, and James Madison University hosted a seminar, Explore Autism, at James Madison University’s Memorial Hall. The seminar featured a keynote presentation by John Toscano, from the Commonwealth Autism Services in Richmond. Listed below are the presenters and topics of the Informative and interactive break out sessions that were held.

Laura Desportes, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Head
Department of Exceptional Education
James Madison University
MSC 6908
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Phone: 540-568-4527
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership
The Shenandoah Valley’s source for support, networking, and training for professionals and families who care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
http://valleyautism.org/

T/TAC Online
The Virginia Department of Education's Training/Technical Assistance Centers (T/TAC)
are resources for those who serve children and youth with disabilities.
http://www.ttaconline.org/

Commonwealth Autism Service
Seek to maximize potential and quality of life of Virginians with autism by leading the implementation of a statewide system of services to assist in accomplishing that goal.
http://www.autismva.org/

The Virginia Institute of Autism
“A non-profit organization providing a day-school and other resources for families, educators and health professionals seeking services, training or information about autism and evidence based interventions.”
http://www.viaschool.org/

Virginia Autism Council
A council of autism experts seeking to define skill sets that caregivers supporting individuals with autism should possess. The council is state supported and seeks to improve education and training for personnel and caregivers. http://www.autismtrainingva.org/

Virginia Autism Resource Center
A Virginia Commonwealth University resource center that strives to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. They provide information, education, and training for families and caregivers to ensure effective support for individuals with autism throughout their lives.
http://www.varc.org/

The Autism Center of Virginia
Another Virginia Commonwealth University resource providing unique services to children with autism and their families. Educational and therapeutic services for children are available along with a training component for parents and professionals working with individuals with autism.
http://www.vcuhealth.org/?id=331&sid=1

Virginia Tech Autism Clinic
The goal is to provide effective treatment and prevention through assessment, intervention, education, and research to ultimately improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
http://www.psyc.vt.edu/centers/psc/clinics/autism/

Autism Society of America
Strive to increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues people on the autism spectrum face, advocate for services for individuals across the lifespan, and provide the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
http://www.autism-society.org

Autism Speaks
Try to change the future for those who struggle with autism spectrum disorder by funding research, raising public awareness, and bringing the autism community together through education and family services.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/