NEWS

Two special education professors from Mogilev State University in Belarus, Professors Elina Katliarova (PhD in Psychology, Chair of Psychology Department) and Irina Komarova (PhD in Pedagogy, Dean of Faculty of Child Pedagogy and Psychology) toured St. Joseph’s Villa and its Sarah Dooley Center for Autism (SDCA) on December 4. During their visit, the Belarusian professors observed instructional techniques used at SDCA and learned how facilities such as SDCA may address the needs of ...Read More

Today 1 in every 68 children is diagnosed with autism.  While the increasing rate of autism is alarming, there is hope. Lifelong differences can be made in a child's social, behavioral and cognitive skills with early detection of treatment. However, even though pediatricians are able to diagnose autism as early as age two, the average age of diagnosis is seven in Virginia. "The key to early intervention is early," said ...Read More

Students of all grade levels at our Sarah Dooley Center for Autism enjoyed fun lessons in weather from Meteorologist Carrie Rose on June 12.  Creating static electricity with balloons was one of the biggest hits!  Ms. Rose also showed a behind-the-scenes video tour of the CBS 6 news station.  A school photo aired the following morning. Many thanks to Ms. Rose for sharing her time and talents with our children!

We extend our most heartful congratulations to our graduating students and their families.  The commencement ceremony for the Class of 2014 will take place on June 13, 2014 at the Chapel on the St. Joseph Villa campus.

Information courtesy of CNN.com. According to a new report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder -- up from 1 in 88 in 2012.  Autism continues to be much more common in boys (1 in 42) than girls (1 in 189). The report also points out that, while autism can be diagnosed as early as age 2, the average age of diagnosis is ...Read More