VT Center for Autism Research

Welcome to the
Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals and their families through *intervention, education, and research directed towards effective services.

We strongly support neurodiversity and acknowledge varying preferences regarding language among self-advocates within the autism and broader community. Please let us know your preference for identity-first (i.e., "autistic individual") or person-first language (i.e., "individual with autism/ASD") when we meet.

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Learn about our research studies

The VT Autism Clinic operates as a training clinic for graduate students. Our research is conducted through the VT Center for Autism Research. Our current research efforts are:

Develop and test the feasibility of a model for autism service provision by offering assessments and professional development for educators
Development of a hybrid mentoring program for autistic STEM undergraduate students and establish a pipeline from-graduation-to-work with industry partners
EmotionAIze - Empathy-Driven Interactive Human-AI System for Countering Negative-Self Talk for Autistic Individuals
Machine learning in AI to better understand collaboration between autistic and non-autistic individuals in the workplace
Designing AI as a Mental Health Resource for Autistic Adults: Enhancing Therapeutic Approaches with Multimodal Interactions
Piloting a Parenting Mobile App to Reduce Treatment-time for Families in Virginia
Mobile Autism Clinic (MAC), one of our signature initiatives, which supports our work on accessible autism services for rural Virginians.

We are seeking NSF Workplace Equity Steering Committee members

Researchers at Virginia Tech, George Washington University, and University of Notre Dame are developing innovative industrial robots to support autistic adults in manufacturing and STEM work environments. We’re recruiting Autism Steering Committee members to ensure our collaborative efforts address real-world needs. Committee members will earn $50/hour for up to four online meetings per year.

Members will share their experience-informed knowledge with us to 1) Guide the direction and outcomes of the project, 2) Provide strategies regarding how robots in manufacturing and STEM workplaces can support workers’ motivation, skill development, and sense of belonging, 3) Help formulate questions for and interpret responses of interviews and focus groups with employees working with robots.

This project is funded by the NSF Workplace Equity for Persons with Disabilities in STEM and STEM Education program. At its core is collaboration with the Autism Steering Committee and autistic and neurotypical employees who will advise the robotics technical experts. We will work within the framework of the evidence-based Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which describes how fostering employee autonomy, building competence, and creating meaningful connections at work increases employee well-being and performance. Our overarching goal is to improve both the well-being of autistic employees and bolster the U.S. STEM workforce.

Candidate requirements: be 18 years and older, identify as autistic and have job experience in STEM and/or manufacturing

To apply, email Dr. Angela Scarpa at vtautismcenter@vt.edu. Write “NSF Workplace Equity Steering Committee” in the subject line. Attach your CV, resume, or other statement of your work experience and answer these questions:

Do you meet the candidate requirements?
What is your experience in STEM and/or manufacturing jobs?
What are your qualifications for collaborating with STEM and psychology team members to reach the research goals?

Email any questions to vtautismcenter@vt.edu with “NSF Workplace Equity Steering Committee” in the subject line.

Free professional development sessions starting February 4:

Seeking general ed teachers in Dickenson, Lee, Wise, City of Norton, Bristol city public schools or the surrounding areas

Are you interested in learning about autism AND earning $150? Our team, in partnership with the University of Virginia, is conducting a research study to explore the benefits of the ECHO Autism model for professional development. We are offering our second cohort of 8 free virtual sessions from Feb. 4 - May 6, 2025 to general ed teachers in Dickenson, Lee, Wise, City of Norton, Bristol city public schools or the surrounding areas. Sessions focus on supporting students on the autism spectrum in the classroom. Participants will be compensated up to $150 (Amazon giftcard) for completing all parts of the study. Please see the flyer for more information and email vtautismcenter@vt.edu or call 540-231-8747 to sign up.

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VTCAR Spring Conference registration open:

Biennial Spring Conference | Monday, March 24, 2025

Our research conference is open to parents/caregivers, researchers, self-advocates, students, providers and anyone interested. The conference is free with the option to offer a donation to support our work of merging science with service. Registration is now open and seats are limited.

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