Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic

The Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic

About the Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic

Services Provided

Groups for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Location

Overview

Autism spectrum disorders, which include Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), are characterized by deficits in social interaction skills. Not knowing how to behave or what to say in social situations can be upsetting to these children and adolescents, and can be associated with impairment in other areas of development as well.

The Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic at VTCC provides clinical services to families, parents, and children affected by autism spectrum disorders. The mission of the Clinic two-fold: to provide high-quality assessment and intervention services to families in the greater Richmond area, and to contribute to our knowledge of effective treatments for autism and related conditions through research. To accomplish these aims, the Clinic is engaged in both direct service and research, while providing a training experience for students and practitioners.

Services Provided

The clinic provides evaluation and diagnostic services, counseling, and consultation to families and parents of children with autism spectrum conditions. We also provide social skills training groups to school-age children and young adolescents between the ages of 8 and 14.

For more information on the Clinic and the services provided, please call (804) 828-3137.

Social Skills Groups for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

     Starting in the fall of 2005, as part of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic, Susan Williams, Ph.D., will conduct social skills groups for children with autism spectrum disorders.  The purpose of these groups is to teach children with autism spectrum disorders (including Autism, Aspergers Disorder or PDD-NOS) appropriate peer social interactions skills. The skills taught in the groups depend on the unique needs of the children, and may include staying on topic in conversations, maintaining personal space, and appropriate use of eye contact.