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Autism, formally known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a condition that describes a spectrum of developmental disabilities. Individuals with autism typically struggle with speech, interpersonal relations, emotions, and social skills.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 59 children born in the United States have ASD, and boys […]

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 […]

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 […]

Children with autism typically use behaviors to communicate their wants, needs, anxieties, and frustrations.  These behaviors can include:  Fidgeting Stimming Rocking Tapping Repeating words or phrases Mimicking Self-injurious actions Aggression Biting Ignoring peers Refusing to follow directives Eloping While behaviors are important communication tools, some behaviors can disrupt learning in a classroom setting. Various interventions […]

Speech therapy gives children with autism a voice and equips them to communicate their needs and wants to parents, caregivers, and teachers. Because of speech therapy for autism, children can experience freedom, dignity, and a decrease in challenging behaviors in the classroom and at home. Professional speech specialists use many methods and strategies during therapy […]

Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each child has unique educational needs. While some children with autism thrive in a traditional public school, other children need the features and benefits provided by an autism private school. The right school environment is important for all children, especially one with autism. School can help children achieve their […]

A good school for autism will meet your child’s academic, emotional, and social needs. However, you also want to ensure that the school offers five essential services. These services offer a wide range of assistance for children from preschool to age 21 or older. The 5 Essential Autism School Services Autism school services prioritize your […]

The right school nurtures a child with autism and helps him or her thrive. With specialized supports and other helpful tools, this educational setting can meet your child’s academic, behavioral, social, and other needs and prepare him or her for life as an adult. For these reasons, you may decide to select a specialty school […]

Every school day used to be the same for Joey. He would come to school with a very fixed set of interests, and when those were taken away, he would respond with severe, aggressive behaviors. Trusting relationships weren’t part of his experience. Then Joey began at the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism at St. Joseph’s […]

Caregivers of children with autism often become experts in areas they’d never considered before. If there’s one thing they become intimately acquainted with, it’s their child’s individualized education plan (IEP). IEPs take into account a child’s social, cognitive and occupational abilities, and identify a plan to help a child reach particular goals. Formulating a good […]