Preparing Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Early Childhood Special Educators, and Developmental Psychologists for Leadership Roles in Teaching, Research, and Service Focused on Young Children with Autism and Their Families

• Director:  Elizabeth Crais, Professor, Division of Speech & Hearing Sciences
• Co-Directors: Grace Baranek, Ph.D., Professor, Division of Occupational Science & Linda Watson, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Division of Speech & Hearing Sciences
• Additional Grant Faculty: Harriet Boone, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Education
• Sam Odom, Ph.D., Professor, School of Education; Director, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
• Steve Reznick, Ph.D., Professor, Developmental Psychology
• Lee McLean, Ph.D., Professor & Chair, Allied Health Sciences
• Molly Losh, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Speech & Hearing Sciences
• Funding Source: Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Office of Education
• Funding Period:  01/01/2008 - 12/31/2011

This doctoral personnel preparation program is designed to create a cadre of 8 graduates to fulfill leadership roles in higher education with specific skills in generating, implementing, evaluating, and disseminating evidence-based practices for young children with autism and their families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The program of study consists of a unique interdisciplinary set of research based courses and research and teaching experiences targeting specific competencies related to research, personnel preparation, and dissemination in the area of childhood autism.