Project Description:
ABSTRACT
Preparing Leadership Personnel in the area of Educating and Supporting Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Ph.D. Program in Education at the University of New Hampshire received funding from the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education to support an interdisciplinary doctoral training program in the area of educating and supporting children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families. The funds will be used to support 12 doctoral level students: 4 full-time, 4 part-time, and 4 involved in an ASD Cognate. Another 20 students, professionals, family members, and/or teachers will benefit from coursework and continuing education opportunities and will receive a graduate certificate. This ?leadership training infrastructure? will be comprised of a menu of leadership learning opportunities including: (a) part-time and full-time study leading to a Ph.D.; (b) a cognate is ASD; and (c) professional development workshops, seminars, and university courses leading to a Graduate Certificate in the ASD specialization. These new leaders will have research, teaching, and public policy and advocacy skills that, although focused on ASD, can be broadly applied to a) students with behavioral and communication disorders, b) children with social and emotional disabilities and their families, and including many fields, i.e. inclusive education, family support, augmentative communication and literacy, interdisciplinary practice, and positive behavioral supports. In addition, the coursework and other training opportunities, this program will be accessed by over 200 additional individuals representing graduate students, university faculty, and practicing professionals in education and human services; and individuals with disabilities and family members through course attendance, web-based courses, and outreach activities.
The area of Autism Spectrum Disorders is receiving national attention through the Children?s Health Act of 2000 and its efforts to intensify and coordinate autism and related disorders research efforts. Since 1997, the national investment in autism related science has more than doubled (NIMH, 2001). Yet, comparatively, there are few university training programs that focus on preparing doctoral level leaders knowledgeable about the range of educational issues, interventions, and policies affecting children and adolescents with ASD and their families. There are no training programs of this kind in Northern New England. There must be a new generation of teachers and related service personnel who have interdisciplinary skills in ASD. Emerging findings from newly funded research will be increasingly available but educational leaders skilled in conducting educational and community relevant research and translating that research into practice must accompany them.
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Other - Assistive Technology, Other - Leadership, Other
