We do things differently.
In 1995, a frustrated but visionary group of parents of autistic children started our organization to bridge the service gaps their families faced.
We’re still passionate about serving autistic people, but our mission has expanded to include systems level work. Since our humble beginnings around a kitchen table, we’ve grown to an organization with a budget of $3.7 million. And now in addition to providing direct support and services for autistic individuals, we also work to improve the systems that serve them.
Our Mission
We collaborate to innovate, operate, and model services that support diversity, equity, and community inclusion for autistic Virginians.
Our Vision
We envision an inclusive Virginia where all people have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of our community and realize their full potential.
Our Promise
We will be flexible, we will adapt, and we will learn from safe failures. We will continue to evolve to best meet the needs of all Virginians.
Our Values
Above all else, we value:
- Innovation: We challenge the status quo by confronting problems with best practices and new solutions to complex issues.
- Flexibility: We embrace change. Our ability to adapt to best meet the needs of our audience is one of our greatest strengths.
- Collaboration: We develop, maintain and leverage relationships with people and organizations who strive to make human service systems work better for everyone.
Statement of Inclusion
We believe in full inclusion regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, self-identity, age, cultural and geographic origin and language. We tailor our services with sensitivity and strengthen our organization by embracing the full array of humanity.
For people with disabilities, we:
- Provide accessible parking at the front entrance to our Parham Road office.
- Provide accessible restrooms.
- Welcome service dogs in our facilities.
- Provide certain assistive or adapted materials or services with at least 72 hours notice..
- Welcome autistic volunteers and ensure that they have meaningful work to do.
- Include people with and without disabilities in the same programs. We only offer separate programs if absolutely necessary.
- Recruit board members who will advocate for and are familiar with individuals with a variety of needs.
- Include considerations for autistic people in our policies and procedures.
- Make our staff aware of environmental modifications and accommodations that autistic individuals may need.
We do things differently.
In 1995, a frustrated but visionary group of parents of children with autism started our organization to bridge the service gaps their families faced.
We’re still passionate about serving people with autism, but our mission has expanded to include systems level work for all types of developmental disabilities. Since our humble beginnings around a kitchen table, we’ve grown to an organization with a budget of $3.7 million. And now in addition to providing direct support and services for people with autism and developmental disabilities, we also work to improve the systems that serve them.
Our Mission
We impact capacity development in human service systems through strategic public-private partnerships, leadership and collaboration.
Our Vision
We envision an inclusive Virginia where all people have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of our community and realize their full potential.
Our Promise
We will be flexible, we will adapt, and we will learn from safe failures. We will continue to evolve to best meet the needs of all Virginians.
Our Values
Above all else, we value:
- Innovation: We challenge the status quo by confronting problems with best practices and new solutions to complex issues.
- Flexibility: We embrace change. Our ability to adapt to best meet the needs of our audience is one of our greatest strengths.
- Collaboration: We develop, maintain and leverage relationships with people and organizations who strive to make human service systems work better for everyone.
Statement of Inclusion
We believe in full inclusion regardless of race, gender, dis/ability, sexual orientation, self-identity, age, cultural and geographic origin and language. We tailor our services with sensitivity and strengthen our organization by embracing the full array of humanity.
For people with disabilities, we:
- Provide accessible parking at the front entrance to our Parham Road office.
- Provide accessible restrooms.
- Welcome service dogs in our facilities.
- Provide certain assistive or adapted materials or services with at least 72 hours’ notice.
- Access a relay service for phone conversations with people who are deaf, hearing impaired or have speech disabilities.
- Welcome volunteers with disabilities and ensure that they have meaningful work to do.
- Include people with and without disabilities in the same programs. We only offer separate programs if absolutely necessary.
- Recruit board members who will advocate for and are familiar with individuals with a variety of needs.
- Include considerations for people with disabilities in our policies and procedures.
- Make our staff aware of environmental modifications and accommodations that individuals with disabilities may need.
Our Timeline
Kitchen Conversations
A visionary group of parents of children with autism recognized significant service gaps in Virginia. They created the Autism Program of Virginia (TAP-VA).
Gaining Ground
The General Assembly supported our mission through a state appropriation. A public-private partnership began. 
Building Relationships
We held our inaugural—and now annual—autism conference to educate and train the community. 
Feet on the Street
We began community organizing efforts around the state through Autism Action Groups. 
Future Focus
Our strategy shifted and we began to focus our efforts on capacity building for service providers, such as school personnel, law enforcement, etc. 
Forging an Identity
We rebranded ourselves as “Commonwealth Autism Services” to better reflect our mission and vision and the values of accessibility and inclusion. 
Expansion
We developed a transdisciplinary diagnostic and assessment clinic and began replicating our diagnostic assessment model around the state. 
Reaching For More
We acquired the Dominion School for Autism and began providing direct services through the school. 
Expanding Services
We acquired Richmond House, a program offering residential and community supports, diversifying and growing our service offerings. 
Supporting Sustainability
We joined forces with other community partners to launch a Shared Service Alliance to support the sustainability of early childhood education centers. 
A Rebrand + Rededication
Commonwealth Autism is now “CA Human Services.” We’re still passionate about improving services for people with autism, but now we do even more. Much more. 25 Years of Service
This year we celebrate 25 years advocating for, enabling and creating change. How can we help you today?
(804) 355-0300 [email protected]
Administrative Office & Mailing Address
4108 East Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23228
CA Adult Programs
Readiness and Community Support Programs serve individuals across the state of Virginia through virtual. tele-health, and in-person.
Inclusive Preschools
CA partners with Child Care Centers throughout the Commonwealth.
Virginia Beach Office - FACT Autism Resource Center
3509 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Stay connected to CA
