Family Navigation

The Supporting Transformative Autism Research (STAR) Family Navigators use an individualized approach to connect families of individuals with autism to support in their community and across the Commonwealth. Navigation may include:

• Connecting with Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services;
• Finding support groups and peer mentors;
• Helping to find occupational, physical, and speech therapies; 
• Guidance navigating the educational system;
• Building family knowledge of autism;
• Networking webinars;
• Providing up-to-date lists of local and statewide resources in addition to the University of Virginia Autism DRIVE.

The STAR initiative is led by the School of Education and Human Development in a university-wide partnership.  STAR aims to improve the lives of individuals with autism through research and models for intervention and training.