Autism Spectrum Disorder Concentration
Graduate students in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology may apply to pursue a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders. The ASDC application should be emailed to the ASDC coordinator, Maggie Wheeler, by the end of the second semester of graduate studies. Please note that all applicants may not be admitted into the concentration.
The purpose of the ASDC is to:
- Provide students with expert knowledge of the challenges and strengths experienced by autistic individuals
- Develop an understanding of the theories of the upstream causes of autism symptoms with an eye towards developing effective treatment strategies
- Develop a broad understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of existing evidence-based treatment approaches so that treatments that best fit a patient’s needs can be selected
- Develop critical competencies necessary to properly assess autistic individuals given their unique needs
REQUIRED COURSEWORK:
- ASP 556 Autism and Language (3 credits)
- ASP 661 Advanced Language (3 credits) or ASP 563 Language Disorders Birth to Three (3 credits)
REQUIRED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:
Students will also be required to complete 75 hours treating patients with autism or designated as at risk for autism including 1) a rotation in our department’s Early Intervention Services clinic, which specializes in treating birth to 5 years old age children with autism or who are at risk for autism, 2) treatment of school-age patients, and 3) treatment of adolescent or adult patients. Students will not need to sign up for additional credits of ASP 533 Clinic Practicum; patients will be selected to ensure the necessary experiences.
Students maintain a “B” or higher in all relevant academic and clinical coursework in order to maintain enrollment in the concentration. Completion of all ASDC requirements must be verified by ASDC coordinator and/or clinic director.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email the ASDC application to mwilli86@uthsc.edu by the end of the second semester of graduate studies.