| Virginia Autism Resource Center |
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The Virginia Autism Resource Center (VARC) was established in 1983 to help people deal with autism or the symptoms associated with that disorder. VARC provides training, individual case consultation, materials and information to families and professionals working with individuals with autism in Virginia and responds to over 800 requests for information per year. VARC is a statewide project funded in part through the State Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services. VARC is administered and receives additional funding through Grafton. VARC can help you if you have autism, or if someone in your family, your school, your workplace or your neighborhood has autism. VARC can help if you are not diagnosed with autism but have some of the symptoms associated with that disorder You can turn to the people at VARC if I have questions related to autism that no one has been able to answer. VARC will connect you to the people and resources you need to meet the challenges of autism and related disorders. Providing Helpful InformationInformation about autism and related disorders is just a phone call away. VARC staff will respond to your questions and send packets of information tailored to your concerns. You will also receive a complete listing of materials available from our lending library, including over 1,000 volumes and 200 videotapes. These materials cover a wide range of topics and can be checked out free-of-charge.Individual Case ConsultationsAt your request, a free consultation can be scheduled. Each case consultation will start with a review of current documents, and includes observation of and discussion with the individual with autism and the caregivers: families, school/employment personnel or other agency staff. Observations are followed by immediate verbal feedback. The final component is a formal written report with specific recommendations and concrete strategies. The Center will also provide published information, when available, to help implement the recommendations. The consultation can take place in any setting, including the home, school, work site or other placement or at the Center.Technical AssistanceVARC also provides assistance and training for family members and professionals using a variety of formats including in-service training, workshops, lectures and presentations, conferences and training institutes. |
