Center for Autism Research hosting one-day conference on treatments, financial planning, life stages

28 Mar 2019

Blacksburg Autism conference in 2018 featured panels — At the 2018 Virginia Tech Autism Conference, a panel discussed the lack of treatment and care for children with autism spectrum disorder in rural communities.

(Editor's note: This story has been updated to replace an erroneous link for registration.)

The Virginia Tech Center for Autism Research and Autism Clinic will co-host a one-day conference April 26 at the Inn at Virginia Tech, with talks and workshops focused on accessing community treatments, self-determination, financial needs planning, and more.

The 2019 Virginia Tech Autism Conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Inn at Virginia Tech, 901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg. The conference will also feature research talks and workshops on care and treatment for several life stages of those who have autism. A panel will focus on the experiences and journeys of raising a child with ASD. The center’s new Mobile Autism Clinic will also be available for tours.

Keynote speakers are Amy Drahota, an assistant professor with Michigan State University’s Department of Psychology, who will speak about “Accessing Community Treatments for ASD.” Sam Leckrone, a self-advocate with ASD who has had a long career in traffic engineering in Virginia, also will speak.

“Our mission at the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic and Center for Autism Research is to merge science with service,” said Angela Scarpa, center director and a professor with the Department of Psychology, part of the Virginia Tech College of Science. “We hope attendees will take away knowledge on specific research-based strategies and community resources that can be used to support people with autism across various important life stages – early childhood, school-aged, adult transition.”

The conference is geared toward educators, clinicians/service-providers, researchers, and parents of children who are on the spectrum. While free, registration is required with suggested donations of $35 to $50 for general public admission; $10 for students; $50 for exhibitor half table; and $100 for exhibitor full table. Registration closes on April 12.

With traveling clinic, Virginia Tech to take autism services to rural Virginia