Local ABA Information Page

Regional School in Newport News

There is a regional school called the Center for Autism in Newport News, (757) 886-7958, (757) 886-7958, (757) 886-7958.  There is a teacher there who works closely with our chapter, Melissa Duncan, e-mail cmdunc@aol.com.  She is very helpful.  I think the school would be a good starting point if you wanted to observe and find out information from a local school that is most familiar working with children with autism.

Workshops through the Virginia Institute of Autism (VIA) trains parents ABA techniques (much cheaper than C.A.R.D, but not custom tailored, has limited spacing, and is roughly every other month in Charlottesville).

Registration for the training session is on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited (8 persons total). Payment is due at the time of registration, unless other arrangements have been made. For questions call: 804.923.8252 and ask for Erika Drescher, Fred West, or Donna Cattell-Gordon. The fee for the three day training is $400.00. Please make checks payable to the Virginia Institute of Autism (parents remember to try the conference assistance fund). The sessions take place from 9am-3pm at the Virginia Institute of Autism, 517 Park Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902.

Center for Autism and Related Disorders (C.A.R.D) workshop (details...)

C.A.R.D. Home page

Custom tailors ABA program to meet needs of your child:

On the first day of your workshop, you and your therapy team will be taught how, when, and why you should apply the behavioral techniques used in behavior modification therapy.  These techniques include all of the procedures which are used to reduce or eliminate problem behaviors, (such as extinction, redirection, time-out, etc.) as well as educational techniques used to teach delayed skills (such as shaping, modeling, chaining, prompting, etc.).  You will be given an outline of these techniques that you can refer to should you have any questions after your training is completed.

On the following days of our workshop, the program that has been specifically designed for you child will be reviewed.  All of the workshop participants will be taught exactly how to deliver each part of the program and the Workshop Supervisor will demonstrate specific procedures with your child.  In addition to answering all of questions, the Workshop Supervisor will provide you with a detailed description of your child's  program in an organized log book.  This log book clearly lists and defines each part of the program.

You will be shown how to keep accurate records of your child's progress and you will be given sufficient programs to last for at least the first one to three months.

ABA Specialists in Williamsburg (have not used his services, but he e-mailed this information)

Bethany A. Marcus, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist and applied behavior analyst. Practice: "Children First" in the Tidewater/Hampton Roads area and Psychology Supervisor at CSH in Petersburg, VA. Publishes research in journals and presents at the state/national/international level. Dr. Marcus specializes in the assessment (functional assessment, diagnosis) and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities (e.g., autism, mental retardation,) with and with out mental illness who exhibit severe behavior problems (e.g., self-injury, aggression, toileting or feeding difficulties, sleep disorders) or social skills deficits. Dr. Marcus provides home and school based behavioral consultation. She develops, trains and assists in the implementation of complex behavioral programs, social skills training protocols, parents and teacher trainings, and Individual Education Plan (IEP) development.

Dr. Marcus can be reached at: 757-366-9338 or email drbmarcus@erols.com.

Home About our Chapter Chapter Meetings News & Events Chapter Library Resources & Newsletter Special Education What is Autism Join ASA Peninsula Contacts