Pilot Club Supports Averett's Autism Program

June 16, 2010

Danville's Luncheon Pilot Club awarded a $2,500 scholarship to Whitney Stout, a special education teacher enrolled in Averett's autism certificate program. The Pilot Club is an international global service organization for women that was formed in 1926. The organization supports issues dealing with brain disorders like autism and Alzheimer's.

Whitney is the first recipient of an autism scholarship through the Club.

Averett began offering graduate level classes for certified teachers focusing on autism in the fall of 2008. In recognition of this work, the Virginia Autism Council (VAC) approved Averett to issue a certificate of training in autism spectrum disorders - one of the first in the state. The program saw its first graduation class complete their certification in December 2009.

Virginia is tied for first in the nation with the highest incidence of autism. More common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined, autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in America.