Back in 1970, funding for the Social Exchange Lab at Washington University was cut. So Lois J. Blackwell, then assistant director of the Lab, with the help of a parent whose child had “graduated” to regular schools, moved the Lab out into the community. Seventeen families took to the streets to raise $9,000 on a “toll road” that allowed Judevine Center for Autistic Children to open its doors in the old St. Patrick’s in University City.
In his book, 'Reaching the Autistic Child-A Parent Training Program' (published 1998, pg xi), Martin A. Kozloff writes “I remain indebted to Lois J. Blackwell, former Assistant Director of the Instructional Systems Program and head teacher of the Laboratory-school; currently Executive Director of the Judevine Center for Autistic Children, St. Louis, Missouri. Through Ms. Blackwell I received much of my training in the application of applied behavior analysis to the education of autistic children. Her ideas, encouragement, and help were invaluable.”
Judevine’s first program had an enrollment of 17 children. Today, on an average week, the Center directly touches the lives of literally hundreds of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). And because no one is prepared to be the parent of a child with autism, we also work with families, helping them learn the special skills they will need each and every day.
Although much has changed over the years, Judevine Center is still based on its founding, client-centered philosophy that offers progress towards as much personal freedom and fulfillment as each person with ASD can achieve.
Autism puts up a wall between the individual affected and the world around him or her. At Judevine, we help to break through that wall, brick by brick. We focus on building bridges between the person with ASD, the family, the school, the program, the neighborhood, the community.
Judevine Center for Autism offers a full range of services and supports to children and adults with autism and their families. Our broad range of services includes:
- Evaluations and Assessments
- Specialized Parent Training
- Specialized Training for Professionals
- Training and Consultation
- Workshops and Seminars
- Family Support
- Clinical Therapies
- Transitional Treatment
- Adult Programs and Support, including Supported Employment
- Residential Services
- Autism Projects in Out-State Missouri
NEWS FLASH! - VIRTUAL LIBRARY COMING SOON TO JUDEVINE WEB SITE!