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One of the biggest misconceptions about people diagnosed with autism

Posted on December 5, 2022
By Adam Dreyfus, MA, BCBA, LBA – Senior Director, Sarah Dooley Center for Autism I’ve been fortunate to work with individuals diagnosed with autism and their families for almost two decades now, nearly half of that at the Villa. In that time, I have seen amazing growth in the general public’s awareness and understanding of autism. Due to the fact that the scientific community has, to date, not been able ...Read More

SDCA Senior Director Adam Dreyfus appointed to Virginia Board of Education Special Education Advisory Committee

Posted on July 12, 2022
Adam Dreyfus, Senior Director of the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism at St. Joseph's Villa, has been appointed to serve on the Board of Education’s State Special Education Advisory Committee. Adam has led the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism since 2013, after serving the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Technical Assistance Associate at VCU’s Autism Center for Excellence. He has worked in Region 1 and 8 providing direct services to school divisions, ...Read More

Life Skills: A Vital Part of Autism Education

Posted on November 23, 2021
All children, including children with autism, can develop the essential life skills that equip them to live happy and fulfilled lives. With life skills, children learn how to care for themselves, interact with the world, and succeed at school, at home, and in the community.  At the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism, we believe that life skills are a vital part of autism education. That’s why we include life skills ...Read More

Sarah Dooley Center for Autism receives 2021 Design Award from AIA Richmond

Posted on October 8, 2021
When we first began planning our new Sarah Dooley Center for Autism, Odell led a series of charrettes with faculty, parents, and public school partners to make sure we got everything just right for our students. We're thrilled that AIA Richmond has recognized the transformation of our 1931 school building with a 2021 Design Award! Designed by Odell and constructed by Daniel & Company Inc., the Sarah Dooley Center's unique ...Read More

St. Joseph’s Villa Announces Grand Opening of New Autism Center

Posted on August 11, 2021
Historic School Building Repurposed to Serve as National Model for Autism Education and Teacher Training Classrooms are equipped with modern technology and filled with natural light. RICHMOND, Va. – Inspired to make a difference by rising autism rates and the demonstrated long-term impact of expert educational intervention, St. Joseph’s Villa unveiled its new Sarah Dooley Center for Autism (SDCA) on Sept. 2, 2021. The school will expand SDCA’s capacity beyond ...Read More

You Are Not Alone: WTVR CBS6 features therapeutic Villa Garden

Posted on April 30, 2021
Isabel's son Xavier was thrilled to return to his friends and teachers at the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism earlier this year. “When he saw them, the smile he had on his face. He remembered everybody at the school. He was where he was supposed to be." Throughout the pandemic, staff from all programs have banded together to find new and creative ways to meet the needs of children and ...Read More

SJV Center for Autism staff share pivots in education model at state conference

Posted on March 12, 2021
When Governor Northam ordered the physical closing of every school in the Commonwealth due to COVID-19 on March 13th, 2020, the Villa's Sarah Dooley Center for Autism (SDCA) rebooted as a virtual private day school the following Monday. All of our resources pivoted to providing the best online learning experience we could. We knew that many of our students would not be able to simply sit in front of a ...Read More

COVID-19 Response Plan at SDCA

Posted on March 18, 2020
UPDATE (Monday, March 23): In compliance with Governor Northam's decision, Sarah Dooley Center for Autism will be closed for the remainder for the 2019-2020 school year. We will communicate more information in the days to come. UPDATE (Monday, March 16): As we continue to take every measure to protect the health and well-being of our community, all Sarah Dooley Center for Autism staff will work remotely with email access through Sunday, March ...Read More

How Private Insurance Can Help With Private Education For Autism

Posted on March 12, 2020
For children with autism, education includes a lot more than reading, writing and arithmetic.  In addition to academics, children with autism need a range of behavioral, occupational, speech and physical therapies. Each unique case and curriculum will look a little different. Although some services are available at public schools, it’s not always enough. You may feel that a private education is the best option. Costs Of Private Education For Children ...Read More

Autism In The Classroom: How To Handle Behavior Challenges

Posted on February 27, 2020
Children with autism typically use behaviors to communicate their wants, needs, anxieties, and frustrations.  These behaviors can include:  FidgetingStimmingRockingTappingRepeating words or phrasesMimickingSelf-injurious actionsAggressionBitingIgnoring peersRefusing to follow directivesEloping While behaviors are important communication tools, some behaviors can disrupt learning in a classroom setting. Various interventions teach children with autism new skills that help them develop acceptable ways to communicate, socialize, and function. Strategies For Handling Autism Behavior Problems In The Classroom ...Read More


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