NEWS

Transitioning to a new school is a big change for any child, but for those on the Autism spectrum, it can be particularly stressful. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with change, as “difficulties with transition” is actually a symptom of ASD. The good news is, with a little planning and preparation you […]

As any parent knows, raising a child is rewarding but does not come without challenges and tough decisions. Parents of children with autism face additional challenges such as understanding their child’s unique needs, teaching important life skills and providing an education. While public school systems in Virginia are required to provide education for students with […]

Children with autism and ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorders) often struggle with communication, social situations, anxiety and other behaviors. Even so, children with autism and ASDs can thrive in a school setting, some even going on to attend college and secure jobs or volunteer work. Why Education Is Important To Children With Autism Education is important […]

Every parent has to decide what form of education is best for their child. Parents with a special needs child have a lot to consider including public school, private school, a special needs school or other alternative, some of which can be expensive. Deciding which option is best for your child, and family budget, can […]

Today we welcomed Delegate Lamont Bagby, Legislative Assistant to Delegate Jennifer McClellan Abbey Phillips, local educational agencies and parents for VAISEF Legislator’s Day (Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities). We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve as a host site where everyone could participate in conversation about how private individualized education strengthens students, families […]

  Reneé was diagnosed with autism when she was four years old. Not long after she began kindergarten at public school, her mother, Kimberly, recognized that Reneé’s behaviors were interfering with her ability to learn. Reneé had no means of communicating, and would often lash out and hit her teachers and classmates when her wants […]

Adam came to the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism in 2013 after serving the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Technical Assistance Associate at VCU’s Autism Center for Excellence.  He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in Language and Child Development and went on to earn his Master’s degree in Special Education/Applied […]

At St. Joseph’s Villa our staff never stop believing in children and their families — or each other! On August 31st the staff of the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism went to Richmond Ropes Course (http://richmondropes.com/) located in Fulton Hill as part of a team exercise.  Through a series of physical and mental challenges we […]

The start of a new school year is one of the most exciting times at Sarah Dooley Center for Autism.  As we prepare to welcome students back to our school, we encourage families to become familiar with key health and safety information that has been prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Our teachers and faculty […]

The following post was made by Adam Dreyfus, Director, Sarah Dooley Center for Autism at St. Joseph’s Villa. Penn State University researchers have concluded that as much as 65% of the increase in autism rates could be attributed to changing diagnoses, primarily children being moved from the category of Intellectual Disability into the Autism Spectrum […]