Children with autism experience and interact with the world in unique ways. Sometimes, they display maladaptive behaviors because of communication challenges, social skills deficits, and other related issues. "In the case of Ilya, he was your classically presenting child on the autism spectrum," said Adam Dreyfus, senior director of the Villa's Sarah Dooley Center for Autism (SDCA). "He had almost no functional communication skills, he had almost no functional social ...Read More
On Tuesday, June 2nd, a car parade led by our teachers and staff left the Villa campus early in the morning to celebrate our Class of 2020 graduates. Diplomas, caps and gowns, and gift baskets were delivered to happy students and their families from Williamsburg to Louisa. Even though this wasn't the graduation ceremony any of us could have planned for, it was a truly special day for everyone. Congratulations ...Read More
April is Autism Awareness Month. While we promote inclusion of the children and adults we serve and celebrate all those who support them, it fills us with joy to share with you the testimonial of a parent whose child's future has changed course at the Villa's Sarah Dooley Center for Autism (SDCA). The Richmond Times-Dispatch recently published an Op-Ed by Missy Jasper, who works as an instructional assistant with Louisa ...Read More
Following international presentations in France, Pakistan, Belarus, and Nevis, Sarah Dooley Center for Autism Director Adam Dreyfus recently journeyed to Russia to collaborate with autism educators and professionals from around the world. At the Inclusive Education Conference, held at Moscow State University of Psychology & Education, Dreyfus led a Masterclass on teaching non-verbal children to talk. "It's always inspiring and motivating to see how other countries and cultures are approaching ...Read More
St. Joseph's Villa began a new chapter in its 185-year history as we launched construction on the home of our new Sarah Dooley Center for Autism. With the help of Odell architects and contractor Daniel & Company, we're transforming our 24,000 sq. ft. Dooley School building into a state-of-the-art facility that combines pioneering education, therapy, research, training, and community partnership. The Virginia Department of Education reports that the number of ...Read More
Teacher Michelle Hughey has changed hundreds of lives at our Sarah Dooley Center for Autism over the past 13 years. For her unrelenting dedication and compassion, NBC12 surprised her with their Excellence in Education Award. Michelle gives her all to every student and makes the most of every teachable moment. She works with some of our largest, most severely impacted students. Last year, one of her students was unable to ...Read More
Research shows that making music can create changes in the human brain, especially strengthening connections between the auditory and motor regions. In addition to the potential benefits music can provide a child with autism in speech and academic learning, Villa volunteer Lydia Heitman shows it’s just plain fun! For three summers, Lydia has brought joy to our Sarah Dooley Center for Autism students through music while helping them achieve individual ...Read More
Our 82-acre campus is one of our most effective resources for therapy, education, and recreation. With the support of our community partners and individual philanthropy, we continually adapt the campus to maximize its physical and mental health benefits to our children and families. Recently we opened our newest addition: the Youth Fitness Park! The Youth Fitness park offers kids more ways to get out and be active at the Villa. ...Read More
As part of a military family, twelve-year-old James has lived in Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Ohio, West Virginia and now Virginia. He also has autism, and is nonverbal with sensory processing disorder. Moving around the country, public schools have been a major challenge for James. Even in autism classrooms, inconsistent staffing made for a difficult learning environment on top of living in a new place. His parents felt like he ...Read More
There's nothing better than kids helping kids! Our Sarah Dooley Center for Autism students are hosting an Anthem LemonAid stand to help children with cancer. 100% of the funds raised will go to the Hematology and Oncology Clinic at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
