VCU RRTC

Presentation Description:

This presentation provides a description of the common characteristics that comprise ASD and define the disability categories of Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders - Not Otherwise Specified. Also outlined are the prevalence and potential causes of the disorder.

Presenter Bio:

Dr. Dawn Hendricks is a presenter in this presentation. Dr. Hendricks is a leading professional in autism spectrum disorders and related developmental disabilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She has more than 16 years of experience supporting individuals on the spectrum. Throughout her career, Dr. Hendricks has directed skill-acquisition and behavior-reduction programming and provided comprehensive training to professionals, families and community members. Her areas of expertise include developing comprehensive educational programs, increasing communication, increasing social functioning and peer interaction, and using positive behavior support plans to reduce interfering behaviors. Dr. Hendricks presents nationally and publishes regularly in peer-reviewed journals. She serves as a faculty member at VCU and was instrumental in creating coursework and a post-baccalaureate certificate program in autism spectrum disorders at Virginia Commonwealth University. She currently supervises this program and teaches courses in autism spectrum disorders.