About Us

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (UNLV CASD) conducts community-focused research, assessment, and training of persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), their families, and community service providers in Southern Nevada. The goal of UNLV CASD is to be a nationally recognized leader in the field of ASD through high quality research, assessment, and training.

Mailing Address:
UNLV Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Department of Special Education, College of Education
4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453014
Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-3014

Phone: 702.895.5836

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The center employs many UNLV Faculty & Staff Members as well as several consultants.
Scroll down to view their biographies.



Shannon Crozier

Dr. Shannon Crozier is the Associate Director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Crozier has over 10 years experience working with individuals with autism and behavior disorders and their teachers, parents, and staff. She completed her Master’s degree at Boston University and her Ph.D. at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). At the Center, Dr. Crozier directs training sessions and outreach activities and also coordinates the development of new  projects, grants, and community services. Her research has focused on the development of effective instructional strategies for academic and social skills and the application of positive behavior supports at the individual and system level. Her current interests are focused on translating best practice literature into individual family and system contexts and developing effective processes for organizational and individual change through contextual problem-solving.

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Heather Baltodano Van Ness

Heather Baltodano Van Ness is the Project Coordinator of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Heather received her Ph.D. in special education from Arizona State University in the area of emotional and behavioral disorders.  At the Center, Dr. Van Ness is responsible for developing and coordinating training activities, establishing community partnerships, and engaging in research activities such as project development and effectiveness.  Heather’s research has focused primarily on transition and academic remediation for children and youth in alternative education settings.  Heather has presented her research at national and international conferences and has research published in journals such as Reading and Writing Quarterly, Exceptionality, Education and Treatment of Children, Preventing School Failure, and the Journal of Correctional Education.

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