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Mission

Woman holding toddlerThe Communities of Practice in Autism (CoPAs) will share knowledge and information about evidence-based strategies in natural environments, focusing on infants, toddlers, and young children diagnosed or suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families, to enhance supports and services in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Key Outcomes

  • Improve knowledge of providers and others related to evidence-based intervention for young children with Autism.
  • Identify and disseminate strategies that can be used in natural settings, such as the home, the library, or the community playground. These strategies should be embedded into the daily routines and activities of the family.
  • Foster communication and collaboration among providers, with families, and other community members to improve implementation of the IFSP/FSP.
  • Improve supports and services for all children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families.

Providing Support to Overcome Challenges

  • Lack of knowledge about what is evidence-based for infants, toddlers and young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 
  • Lack of knowledge about natural, embedded strategies.
  • Providers do not always know how to explain the rationale for specific interventions, supports, and/or services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to families or others in the community.
  • Providers do not always know how to teach family members or solve problems with families for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The information in many of these materials was compiled by a regional community of practice in autism from a variety of resources and members' own professional experiences.

Click the tabs below to review the resources.