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New Grant Focuses on Preparing Leadership Personnel in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

In 2003, the Institute on Disability/UCED, at the University of New Hampshire, received a four-year grant from U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, for Project LEAD – Preparing Leadership Personnel in the Area of Educating and Supporting Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The purpose of the grant is to prepare leaders in teaching, research, public policy, and advocacy.

Theoretical Foundations of LEAD program include:

  • Social equity for persons with disabilities
  • Understanding of the larger socio-cultural context in which children and families experience ASD
  • Family and consumer participation and self-determination
  • Natural settings and general education class placement
  • Interdisciplinary service delivery
  • Positive behavioral approaches and communication
  • Facilitation of social relationships and community participation
  • Individualized, early, and intensive assessment, instruction, and support
  • Acknowledgment of the medical and pharmacological issues in ASD

Students may enroll in one of two different program tracks:

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Education

    • Interested students apply to the Ph.D. program in Education, administered by the Department of Education at the University of New Hampshire. At the time of application they indicate their interest in studying Autism Spectrum Disorders. The LEAD grant will support a limited number of qualified students with graduate assistantships and tuition waivers. Two students were admitted into the program in the spring of 2004. The application process will be open again next year and two additional students may be admitted in the spring of 2005.

  • Graduate Certificate

    • Practitioners serving in a variety of roles – educators, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, school nurses, social workers, families, consultants, advocates, policymakers, graduate students in Psychology and Sociology – may enroll in a program of study learning to a post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders. A proposal for the Certificate is currently being reviewed by the University, but it is anticipated that it will consist of 6 courses begin in the summer of 2005. Additional information about the Certificate will be posted on this site as soon as it is available.

For information about application procedures and deadlines, contact Lisa Canfield at (603) 862-2310

For information about program content and assistantships, contact Cheryl Jorgensen at (603) 862-4678, TTY at (603) 862-4320 or e-mail cherylj@cisunix.unh.edu

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