How do you become an Autism Specialist?

Question

How do you become an Autism Specialist? That is what I would love to do, and work towards a behaviorialist. Any suggestions as to HOW I can get there?

Answer 1

I don't know where you live but if it is near NC you could contact "TEACCH"....spelt that way. Do a search on it and you will get lots of information. They are big here and they are based out of Chapel Hill. They diagnosed my son when he was 18 months old and they have worked with us ever since. They use to call me to bring him to the Charlotte location and use him with young people like you who wanted to work in this field. They would put him in a room and the student would have to go in and spend a little time with him and then pick out the things at his level to test him with. Some of the best Specialist I know started working with him this way. Do the search and give them a call. They can tell you the classes and the things you will need to be a behaviorist with the autistic population. We need more of you so I hope you make a great one and maybe one day you will be helping my son.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if there are any other routes, and available courses may vary depending on where you attend, but the best way that I know is to...

1) Register for University or College transfer Psychology degree (arts or science is really your choice, just pick based on whether you prefer humanities or sciences)
2) During your 3rd year you should be able to take a course in Behavioural Psychology (I am in it now), although when you take it may vary for different schools. Also, take Behaviour modification, neuropsychology (although it isn't usually required but it is helpful) and abnormal child and adult psychology.
3) Usually during 3rd or 4th year you are encouraged to find someone who you would like to sponsor you for your master's and PhD if you wish. If you suck up to the teachers who you like the most and feel would be the best resources for Autism they should be able to either help you to get your Master's and get you relevant experience, or help you to find someone who can.

If you do this you may be lucky enough to get someone who is specifically trained in Autism, but you'd certainly be able to get trained in behavioral Psychology. You will make a lot of money, and be doing what interests you the most.

OR

3) Stop after you have your bachelor's around 4th year, and try to find work in group homes with people with Autism, etc ,although you won't be able to work with them as a behavioral psychologist you may be able to work under someone who is. Those jobs are easy to find (at least in Victoria BC Canada where I live). You can also volunteer or even find paying work with people who are developmentally disabled and/or have autism. Job search places and your college/university should have listings/information about volunteer jobs available, as well as in your local classifieds.

OR

If you are really lucky there may be a post-grad behavioral psychology school near you. You probably don't, but you could search for them. Here is one that I found http://www.gradschools.com/listings/menus/app_behavior_menu.html
I haven't heard of any in Canada, but I could be wrong.

It really isn't bad once you get the ball rolling. You'll find all sorts of people willing to give you info as you go along, so just start with a basic psych degree and work from there. It isn't as hard as it may sound.

Answer 3

the University of North Texas offers a certification as a behavior specialist, but you may need to have a bachelor's degree first in order to be enrolled, preferably with some psychology background. You may want to check out their website http://www.unt.edu

Answer 4

Become a parent to an autistic child. They are the best specialists.