Enhancing Autism Research and Practice

In March, Baylor dedicated the Mary Jo Robbins Clinic for Autism Research and Practice. The clinic is part of a $2.5 million expansion within Baylor’s Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic, which is part of the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. The Mary Jo Robbins Clinic will support individuals whose lives have been affected by an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD).

Located on the second floor of the Cashion Academic Center, the clinic includes 12,500 square feet of new and remodeled space, expanding the previously existing capacity for providing speech, language and other services to autistic individuals.

“We celebrate the continued generosity of Bill and Mary Jo Robbins, and we are grateful for their support in expanding Baylor’s resources for autism spectrum disorders research. This wonderful space will enhance the academic experience for our faculty and students while benefiting the community for generations to come,” said President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. “The provision of our Baylor Family has opened doors for the Robbins College through support of research, instruction and community outreach. The Robbinses’ legacy of philanthropy, joined with the contributions of fellow benefactors, has truly created a transformational legacy of care and support.”

The Mary Jo Robbins Clinic for Autism Research and Practice allows pathologists and audiologists to work with occupational therapists and other specialists in ASD while teaching the program’s students and serving clients in a variety of spaces, including the ASD Social Language Lab, the ASD Toddler Classroom, the ASD Preschool Motor Sensory Lab, the ASD Interprofessional Motor Sensory Lab, the ASD Eye Tracking Room, the ASD Reading Space and the ASD Feeding Clinic and attached Prep Room.

“The Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is a shining exemplar of the intersection of teaching, research and service within the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. The Mary Jo Robbins Clinic for Autism Research and Practice further enhances and strengthens this significant union of academia and practice,” said Jason R. Carter, Ph.D., dean of Robbins College. “We are perpetually grateful to Bill and Mary Jo Robbins for their generous Christian spirits, their commitment to improving health and quality of life and their continued support of Robbins College.”

Bill Robbins, B.A. ’52, J.D. ’69, passed away on April 13. To learn more about his life and legacy, you can read his obituary on page 60.