VARC

The Virginia Autism Resource Center (VARC)

VARC offers a self-paced online course on working with persons with Autism.

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VARC Mission

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VARC is a statewide resource center dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with ASD and their families.

The Virginia Autism Resource Center at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Autism Center for Excellence is a statewide resource center dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

Through integrative research, outreach and collaborative initiatives, VARC promotes and facilitates best practices for those diagnosed within the autism spectrum. Information, resources, and education and training help parents, educators, service providers and medical professionals provide effective support from early childhood through adulthood. VARC is also committed to providing resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Visit the following Web sites listed below to learn more about how you can support and guide people with autism spectrum disorders.

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VARC Partners

Virginia Information and Referral

Consultation and Technical Assistance

Education Services

Infants and Toddlers

School-aged Children (3 to 22 years old)

State Agencies

Home and Community-Based Services

Medical Information

Information and Advocacy

  • Autism Society of America— National autism advocacy organization that works to improve the lives of all affected by autism
  • Autism Speaks— Autism advocacy organization that works to fund research and raise public awareness
  • Organization for Autism Research— Organization’s guidebook offers information on autism, including research and resources related to appropriate service delivery
  • The Arc— Advocacy organization for the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Center for Independent Living in Virginia— Centers for Independent Living (CILs) provide services to individuals with significant disabilities as well as to the local community at large
  • "I'm Determined"— This VDOE project focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior for youths with disabilities

Instructional Strategies

Identification and Diagnosis

  • First Hundred Days Kit— This website provides a kit for parents who have children newly diagnosed with ASD
  • First Signs— This website provides information regarding the early signs of ASD
  • Parent Playbook— Self-paced online course designed for parents and caregivers who have children identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Kennedy Krieger First Signs Modules— Free video tutorial on the early signs of ASD
  • Partnership for People with Disabilities— Partnership that develops effective and enduring systems of care for individuals with disabilities and their families
  • M/CHAT— The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers
  • The Arc— Advocacy organization for the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Family Support Groups

  • Autism Society Central Virginia— ASCV provides direct services and supports to families and professionals involved with autism
  • Community Services Board— Links to community service boards throughout Virginia
  • The Arc— Advocacy organization for the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

The Virginia Autism Resource Center is funded by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Grant #720-4652