Virginia Tech Autism Clinic Staff

 

                          [top row: L-R]          Dr. Susan White, Rose Nevill, Brenda Salley, Nuri Reyes,

                                                         Amie Schry, Debra Rezendes, Dr. Angela Scarpa 

                          [bottom row: L-R]     Lindsey Graham, Cara Pugliese, Michelle Patriquin

About Us

The Virginia Tech Autism Clinic, in the Psychology Department of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, opened in the Fall of 2005 to provide clinical services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families in the surrounding New River Valley. Our vision for this facility began in the Fall of 2004, as the Virginia Tech Autism Research Group met to discuss the available services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the New River Valley, a largely rural area. Through an extensive survey assessing existing services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, it was brought to the attention of the group that many parents were concerned about both the availability and quality of services they were receiving.

Our Mission

The mission of the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic is to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families through assessment, intervention, education, and research directed towards effective treatment and prevention. The Clinic provides Assessment through diagnostic and psychological evaluations for infants/toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults who are suspected to have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, including Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS. Treatment services are based on a variety of empirically supported intervention techniques. Individualized treatment approaches are developed for each child based on evidence-based behavioral strategies from Applied Behavior Analysis, developmental approaches and Pivotal Response Treatments, and group treatments are offered for social skills coaching. We also offer Consultation to schools, medical practices, and community agencies involved in providing services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our Research focus provides children, parents, and service providers with the opportunity to participate in the development of effective evidence-based treatment techniques by taking part in studies designed to understand the causes, prevention, and interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

With this approach, the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic seeks to provide cutting edge clinical services based on evidence-based treatment strategies, to increase knowledge and awareness about autism among the professional community and general public, and to conduct quality research.