Burkhart Center
      for Autism Education and Research

The Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research, named for Jim and Jere Lynn Burkhart who have made significant contributions to the establishment and mission of the Center, officially opened in October of 2005. The Burkhart Center's primary objectives are to: (a) provide services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families, (b) train regular and special education teachers, and (c) conduct applied research that will increase the quality of life of those affected by ASD.

The Center provides a variety of resources in the areas of adult transitions, technical assistance in implementing evidence-based interventions for children, and community outreach services. These services include:

• Burkhart Transition Academy

• Burkhart Family Endowed Lecture Series
• Burkhart Walk for Autism Awareness
• Annual Autism Conference in collaboration with Region 17 Education Service Center
• Parents' Night Out
• Family Fun Days
• Camp Burkhart
• South Plains Autism Network (SPAN) collaboration and support
• Activities to Support Autism Awareness Month
• Graduate Certificate in Autism
• College Social Support Network

The Center also supports Master’s and Doctoral Students with scholarships, graduate assistantships, and opportunities to work with individuals on the spectrum. Additionally, the Center plans to infuse the undergraduate teacher preparation program with specific instruction for intervening with children with ASD and hands-on field placements in both inclusionary and special education classrooms.

The Texas Autism Research & Resource Center has launched a website (www.tarrc.org  ) that can help Texans find the information and services they need to support people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  The website will be especially helpful to families with a child recently diagnosed with ASD, a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. In addition to general information about the disorder, such as signs and symptoms, the website provides detailed resources to help guide families through the decision-making process and direct them to services and programs in their communities. (Press Release - March 22, 2011 - Allison Lowery)