How does someone get into autism research?

Question

Say they already have a bachelor's degree in special ed. What would they get their master's degree in? What would the Ph. D. be in?

Answer 1

What kind of research? As the first answerer mentioned, psychology would be one for both masters and phd. But you could also go into genetics, biology, biochemistry...pretty much right now the field is open, without a known cause or cure, people are working in every field trying to figure out all the steps.

Unfortunately, it's a hard thing to get funding for (lowest funding of any childhood disorder, even with highest numbers of any disorder), so you really need to try to attach yourself early to one of the foundations like autism speaks, or NAAR. Good luck

Answer 2

I did a lot of research and worked with autistic kids, with a psycology degree. So you can get your Masters or PhD in clinical psycology.

Answer 3

clincal psych or childhood development would both do well. If you are planning to do research geared for classroom use, continue the master's in education with a bend in classroom management or behavioral specialist

Answer 4

You need to focus on behavioral management, social reintegration, and behavior modification. Check in with developmental centers for children and see what they can advise. Working with autistic children involves creating order and routine and it's a precise curriculum.