A Lasting Legacy

In a world where understanding, supporting, and teaching individuals with autism is more crucial than ever, one woman's lifelong passion and distinguished career has evolved into a legacy of hope for countless families touched by autism spectrum disorders.

Dr. Jo Webber, a retired and Distinguished Professor Emerita of Special Education at Texas State University, has made a transformative gift to Texas State. Her commitment to establish the Dr. Jo Webber Endowment for The Clinic for Autism Research, Evaluation, and Support (CARES) is a testament to her enduring dedication to the field of autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. The spectrum nature of autism means symptoms and their severity can vary widely thus requiring an individualized approach for education and treatment. Accessing this continuum of treatment options presents unique challenges for individuals, their families, and communities. While ASD is a lifelong condition, it has been found that evidence-based approaches, especially in young children, can significantly improve quality of life.

In response to these challenges, Dr. Webber founded CARES in 2006. This multidisciplinary initiative within the College of Education at Texas State was primarily designed to provide early comprehensive diagnosis and evidence-based educational treatment for children, youth, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in Texas. CARES also has become a premier training and research hub for future and current teachers, diagnostic personnel, and clinicians, ensuring that best practices are applied and disseminated widely.
Specifically, CARES offers diagnostic and evaluation assessments conducted by School Psychology faculty and students, clinic and home-based educational programs rooted in applied behavior analysis, social skills groups, job coaching, and behavior intervention planning conducted by Special Education faculty and students. 

Dr. Webber's 26-year tenure at Texas State, including six years as associate dean for the College of Education, reflects her unwavering commitment to preparing educators and specialists to apply current evidence-based practices for the purpose of preparing childen and youth with autism and other disabilities to live satisfying, independent, and responsible lives within their communities and the larger world. Through her endowment, Dr. Webber aims to sustain and expand the impactful work of CARES, ensuring continued support for the clinic’s robust services and the professionals dedicated to this cause.

Dr. Webber highlights the clinic’s use of evidence-based interventions, “Because there is no medical cure for ASD, educational practices based in applied behavior analysis have been found to be the preferred treatment to assure language acquisition, social behavior, and other functional and academic skills necessary for successful development into adulthood.”
Dr. Webber's extensive contributions to the field extend beyond her work at Texas State. She was the inaugural director of the Austin-Travis County MHMR Autism Center and currently serves on several advisory boards, including the Autism Treatment Centers of Texas and the Autism Society of Texas. Her publications, including three co-authored textbooks, have furthered knowledge and best practices in autism and special education.

The Dr. Jo Webber Endowment for CARES will provide essential program support, covering research expenses, faculty and staff development, student assistance, and program expansion. This support is crucial for the clinic's mission to prepare more educators and clinicians in evidence-based practices, ultimately fostering fulfilling lives for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

The success and sustainability of CARES depend on the generosity of supporters like Dr. Webber, as well as contributions from the College of Education, grant agencies, and the broader community. Dr. Webber’s endowment ensures that CARES will continue to thrive, offering invaluable services and support to the Texas autism community. Thank you, Dr. Webber, for making this enduring vision a reality at Texas State.