The Alabama Department of Mental Health recently named the University of Alabama a Regional Autism Network (RAN) site. With this distinction, UA becomes one of five autism resource hubs in the state. The RAN launched in 2016, and UA joins Auburn University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of South Alabama, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville as RAN resource hubs.
RANs are funded by the Department of Mental Health, and each RAN is staffed by experts in the field of autism spectrum disorder. RANs strive to connect people with ASD, their families, educators, and service providers to the information, services, and support that best meet their needs. The resource hubs are established for individuals affected by ASD, their families, and other agencies. RANs provide professional training programs, technical assistance and consultation services, individual and family assistance, and public education programs.
Ms. Allison Davis, M.S. is the regional autism network (RAN) director for the West Alabama region. She received her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Virginia polytechnic University. She has over 22 years of experience working with clinical evaluations across the life span from toddler to geriatric, including autism and learning disability evaluations. She has extensive experience in behavioral modification and cognitive behavioral techniques from an internationally recognized obesity and research facility. She is an instructor for the Department of Psychology at the University of Alabama. Ms. Davis is passionate about identifying, meeting, and advocating for individuals’ exceptional strengths and needs in home, school, and community settings.
She is currently the director of the Regional Autism Network (RAN) which is associated with the University of Alabama Autism Clinic. RANs are funded by the Department of Mental Health, and each RAN is staffed by experts in the field of autism spectrum disorder. RANs strive to connect people with ASD, their families, educators, and service providers to the information, services, and support that best meet their needs. The resource hubs are established for individuals affected by ASD, their families, and other agencies. RANs provide professional training programs, technical assistance and consultation services, individual and family assistance, and public education programs.
To learn about assistance and resources available in West Alabama, contact Ms. Davis by emailing ua-ran@ua.edu. More information on the Alabama Regional Autism Network can be found by visiting www.autism.alabama.gov/Regional-Autism-Network.html
