Autism Institute

The goal of USD Autism Institute is to develop and disseminate research and other information on supporting individuals with autism and their families. Major activities of the USD Autism Institute include: development and coordination of at least two annual autism conferences directed at educators, students, families, self-advocates, professionals and support staff; training and consultation for school districts and agencies within San Diego County; and teaching and training for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of San Diego.

2008 summer institute | research | contact | resource links |

The University of San Diego Autism Institute was first developed in 2005 through the vision of Dr. Anne M. Donnellan. Dr. Donnellan has been a pioneer in the field of autism since the 1970's when she began her career here in San Diego by opening the first pre-school for children with autism. Today, she is an internationally known educator in this ever-changing area of specialty in education.

The mission of the University of San Diego Autism Institute is to inform and support educators, students, families, self-advocates and professionals in the development of personalized accommodations and other strategies for individuals with the behavior, movement, social, and communication challenges associated with autism. It is our hope that as we grow to understand the lived experience of individuals with autism, personalized supports and respectful interaction will be the standard rather than the exception.