VCU RRTC

This webcast will address the dangers and lures that are on the Internet and readily available for access by people with disabilities.  She will share proactive resources including explicit sexuality education that utilizes teaching strategies to render the information useful to people with disabilities In addition, Tim Sutton, a law enforcement officer, and Tammy Burns, a parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder, will share their perspectives on this topic.

Laurie Sperry, Ph.D., BCBA-D, MSc Forensic Psychology, Criminology, is an Assistant Clinical Faculty at Yale University, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Law and Psychiatry.  In addition to a PhD and a degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminology, she is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst- Doctoral Level.  Her research focuses on people with ASD who come in contact with the criminal justice system to ensure their humane treatment within the system. In addition to publishing numerous articles, presenting at international conferences, and serving as an expert panelist and witness, she has worked around the globe providing training, client services, and outreach.

Tammy Burns, M.Ed., is the Outreach Coordinator at the Autism Society Central Virginia.  Tammy received her BA from Virginia Tech in Elementary Education and her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) from Arizona State. Tammy is a Partners in Policymaking Graduate and a volunteer Family Navigator for the Partnership for People with Disabilities, Center for Family Involvement. She is also the Chair of the Chesterfield County Special Education Advisory Committee.  She and her husband, Troy, have three teenage children – Brett, Jared and Amber.  Her 17-year-old son, Jared, has autism.

Tim W. Sutton, Virginia Law Enforcement Officer, is a Sergeant with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office just outside of Richmond Virginia. At the direction of his Sheriff in 2003, he implemented a tracking program for individuals who wander due to Alzheimer’s, Autism, and other cognitive disorders.  Since that time, he has worked with hundreds families and caregivers of individuals with special needs throughout the community. Since 2010, Tim has also traveled throughout Virginia assisting with the Critical Autism Training (CAT 1) for law enforcement. He also co-facilitates a one day Autism Train the Trainer that is taught throughout the State. Tim lives in Virginia with his wife, son, and twin girls.  He continues to work as a law enforcement officer.  His company, “A Better Understanding LLC” is committed to promoting peaceful interactions and positive outcomes. (www.a-betterunderstanding.com)