News & Events
Focus on VIA’s Vocational Programs
Posted May 14, 2013
Check out this recent news feature on VIA students working at Dunkin' Donuts. Vocational programming is an important part of educational services for older students who will be graduating from school in the next few years as well as for adults.
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VIA In the News
Posted March 27, 2013
VIA’s experts comment on new developments in the autism field.
The recent release of a government study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) has the autism community reacting to the report that 1 in 50 school-age children has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study is based on 2011-2012 parent reports about the diagnoses their children have received, and is compared with data collected in 2007. While the prevalence of autism continues to rise, this rate of 2% of school-aged children is dramatically higher than last year’s CDC estimate of 1 in 88 children diagnosed. VIA Executive Director Ethan Long speaks to the significance of the newest report at http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/New-Autism-Report-Shows-Rise-in-Numbers-199172141.html.
Also in the news, UVA’s Child and Family Psychiatry Clinic will be participating in the ConnectMe clinical trial of a drug hoped to treat core symptoms of autism. The trial drug, called Memantine, has been FDA approved for treatment of Alzheimer’s and has shown improvements in social interactions for Alzheimer’s patients. Hear VIA’s Director of Outpatient Behavioral Services Emily Callahan talk about what this drug trial means for autism treatment at http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/Autism-Clinical-Trial-Looking-for-More-Participants-200123171.html.
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VIA Offers Sibling Support Group
Posted March 14, 2013
This spring the Virginia Institute of Autism is excited to offer a new Sibling Support Group for brothers and sisters of children with autism spectrum disorders.
Led by members of our Outpatient Behavioral Services Team who are working with children with autism in the community, the groups are designed to help siblings better understand autism and to give them a nurturing environment in which to talk with others about questions and concerns they may have. Sessions include discussion and activities on subjects such as:
- What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- How do I talk about ASD with friends
- Ideas for playing and interacting with siblings with ASD
- Sharing feelings and experiences with other siblings
“I have had siblings come into group thinking that autism is the name of the school their sibling goes to,” recalls Director Emily Callahan. “Siblings often talk about wondering why they don’t get ‘special appointments’ like their brother or sister.” VIA’s Sibling Support Group will equip siblings of children with ASDs with knowledge and tools for dealing with the unique issues they may face.
Support groups are organized according to participants’ ages so that sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of different age groups. See our informational flyer for more details.
VIA Adult Services Receives Grant from Dalai Lama’s Visit
Posted December 14, 2012
Virginia Institute of Autism's Adult Services Program received a grant of $10,000 from the proceeds raised from events during the Dalai Lama's visit to Charlottesville. The grant comes from the American Heritage Voices Foundation and its three partners in organizing the events. VIA's Adult Services program was selected because it is a new program that is not yet well-known, with a mission that is consistent with the theme of compassion that centered the Dalai Lama's visit.
Check out the WVIR29 news story for more information: http://www.nbc29.com/story/20326513/revenue-from-dalai-lamas-visit-to-be-shared-with-nonprofits.
Congratulations to Erika Viccellio!
Posted December 06, 2012
Congratulations to VIA Board member Erika Viccellio, recipient of the 2012 United Way Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership!
Last night at United Way’s awards dinner Erika was recognized for her leadership in our community. At the Virginia Institute of Autism we have been benefitting from Erika’s leadership and commitment for well over a decade.
Thank you Erika, for all you have done and continue to do on behalf of VIA!
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