Predoctoral Internship and Postdoctoral Fellowship In Psychology

Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Interns matched for the Autism and Developmental Disabilities area of specialization spend a portion of their internship and postdoctoral time involved in the clinical and/or research activities of that section. The Yale Child Study Center Developmental Disabilities Clinics offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluations for infants, toddlers, pre-school, and school-age children with autism and related disorders, usually focusing on the issues of diagnosis and intervention. The clinics are highly integrated with the research program, and both involve highly experienced professionals from a variety of disciplines. The Autism Program at the Yale Child Study Center is one of the leading clinical and research sites in the country, with a wide portfolio of federally-funded research. Fred Volkmar, M.D., and Ami Klin, Ph.D., Director of the Autism Program at Yale, are two of the most respected experts in the field of autism, Asperger's Syndrome (AS), and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs). This group has a long-standing record of scientific productivity and has pioneered the development of new approaches to understanding these childhood disorders. The autism program of research at the Yale Child Study Center has included studies of the definition and classification of autism, neuropsychology, social cognition, early development and natural course, adaptive skills and outcome, speech-language and communication, social cognition, neuroimaging, neurochemistry and neurobiology, family and molecular genetics, psycho-pharmacological, parent-training and behavioral treatments, and animal models. Predoctoral and Postdoctoral training in this area emphasizes clinical assessments of individuals with autism and related conditions from infancy through school age, with a focus on developmental/cognitive and diagnostic evaluations conducted within an interdisciplinary setting. Research involvement may include training in standardized and novel methodologies, the grant-writing process, and integration of research into clinical practice. The fellowship will be individualized to meet the trainee's interests and needs within the constraints of the clinical service and its research priorities. For additional information related to the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Program, please see http://www.autism.fm.