Autism-World

Ask:

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

Answer:

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/menu…
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.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007 at 8:01 pm and is filed under Ask and answer.