VT Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research (VTAC/CAR)

Black Mental Health Matters

The Psychological Services Center (PSC), which includes the autism clinic, stands in solidarity with Black and African American individuals, families, and community members. We strongly affirm the Virginia Tech Principles of Community and condemn hate and oppression in any form. We recognize that the experience of racial discrimination affects many members of our community. We recognize that psychological distress may arise including vicarious trauma, racial trauma, concerns about community violence and discrimination on the basis of race, feelings of isolation and disempowerment, among other distressing psychological concerns. We would like to offer help to those affected with our support and services, which may be accessed by contacting us at 540-231-6914. 

Coronavirus Update

During the period of active novel coronavirus spread, the PSC and autism clinic buildings will be closed. The clinic will continue to operate via virtual/remote access and providing telehealth therapy and assessment services. We are accepting new clients. For therapy, call 540-231-6914. For autism assessments, call 540-231-2053 or email autism@vt.edu.

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"Improving quality of life for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders through intervention, education, and research."

The Virginia Tech Autism Clinic (VTAC), part of the Psychological Services Center (PSC) in the Psychology Department of Virginia Tech, opened in the Fall of 2005 to provide clinical services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families in the surrounding New River Valley. Our vision for this facility began in the Fall of 2004, as the Virginia Tech Autism Research Group met to discuss the available services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the New River Valley, a largely rural area. Through an extensive survey assessing existing services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, the group noted that many parents were concerned about both the availability and quality of services they were receiving. The Center for Autism Research (CAR) in the College of Science was established in 2012 to promote multi-disciplinary research on the needs of people with autism that will inform implementation of and access to evidence-based autism services. Together, the VT Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research aim to merge science with service. We invite you to explore our website and contact us with any questions or concerns.

- Dr. Angela Scarpa, VTAC/CAR Founder & Director 

Our Mission

The mission of the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research is to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families through assessment, intervention, education, and research directed towards effective treatment and prevention. We work with the Psychological Services Center and Child Study Center to offer diagnostic evaluations for infants/toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults who are suspected to have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our intervention services are based on a variety of empirically supported treatment techniques. Individualized treatment approaches are developed for each person based on evidence-based behavioral strategies from Applied Behavior Analysis, including Pivotal Response Treatment, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, including stress and anger management and social skills groups. We also offer Consultation to schools, medical practices, and community agencies involved in providing services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our research gives children, parents, and service providers with the opportunity to participate in the development of effective evidence-based treatment techniques by taking part in studies designed to understand the causes, prevention, and interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

With this approach, the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research seeks to provide cutting edge clinical services based on evidence-based treatment strategies, to increase knowledge and awareness about autism among the professional community and general public, and to conduct quality research.