About Us

The mission of The Sharon Sigesmund Pierce and Stephen Pierce Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Touro University Nevada is to provide our clients and their families with the support and services they need to reach their full potential. We use an evidence-based, team-centered approach designed to meet each client's unique needs.

Our History

Sharon Sigesmund Pierce and Stephen Pierce stand in front of the Autism Center sign — Sharon Sigesmund Pierce and Stephen Pierce

In 2007, the Touro University Nevada senior leadership seized the opportunity to provide autism services to young children and hired an Occupational Therapist, launching a clinical autism center at Touro University Nevada in December of that year. Also, in 2007, the State legislature passed a bill requiring autism spectrum disorders to be covered as a medical benefit rather than a behavioral benefit.

The Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities was the first to contract with the Health Plan of Nevada insurance plan in 2008 to cover autism as a medical benefit. The need for services for children with disabilities grew quickly, and additional providers were hired in speech and language pathology, neuropsychology, and behavioral therapy. This created Nevada’s first multidisciplinary center for autism and developmental disabilities.

On June 29, 2016, Touro University Nevada’s autism center unveiled its new name and newly renovated space. In honor of the major donors, the center was renamed the Sharon Sigesmund Pierce and Stephen Pierce Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (Pierce Autism Center).

On April 30, 2021, Pierce Autism Center was fortunate to receive a generous gift of $3M from the State of Qatar to benefit families with autistic children. Pierce Autism Center is extremely grateful to the Al Thani Qatari royal family and His Excellency Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani for their foresight and kindness in establishing this most vital fund to aid the development of autistic children.

Our Team

Our team is comprised of registered behavior technicians, board-certified behavior analysts, and licensed behavior analysts who are devoted to serving the children and families who utilize the center.

All staff and providers are CPR trained, in case of a medical emergency, and CPI model trained, which teaches techniques to safely manage disruptive behavior.