Sarah Dooley Center for Autism

Sarah Dooley Center for Autism is a specialized school providing evidence-based education and applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for children ages 5 to 22 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities. The center operates as part of St. Joseph's Villa, a historic nonprofit organization established in 1834 that encompasses 24 programs serving children and families throughout central Virginia.

The Sarah Dooley Center serves students placed by their public school divisions from 26 localities across central Virginia, with a current enrollment capacity of 112 students. The center opened its doors in September 2021 following a $9.5 million renovation project completed in spring 2021. Located on the historic 82-acre campus of St. Joseph's Villa in Richmond, Virginia, the center provides classroom-based education alongside in-home behavioral support and emergency response services.

Services include highly individualized education and behavioral programming based on ABA principles, 24-hour in-home behavioral support, and mental and behavioral health skill-building programs. The center is led by Adam Dreyfus, Senior Director, and serves as a resource for students with significant developmental and behavioral needs across the region.