Clinical Externships in Autism
Doctoral students in clinical psychology or school psychology may apply for unpaid externship training with the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) at Children’s National Hospital. Externs have the opportunity to participate in one or more of the clinical services offered at CASD, including:
- Neuropsychological evaluation of school-age children and adolescents with known or suspected autism spectrum and comorbid neurological or psychological disorders (e.g., seizures, learning disabilities, ADHD). Externs learn to administer neuropsychological tests, including measures of intelligence, attention, executive function, language, visual processing, learning and memory, social cognition, fine motor abilities and emotional adjustment. Externs are taught to interpret test data, formulate diagnoses, assist with report writing and participate in parent feedback conferences. Externs have the opportunity to participate in multidisciplinary team evaluations and related team meetings and case presentations.
- Developmental or diagnostic evaluation of children and adolescents with known or suspected autism spectrum. These evaluations generally focus on younger children and those with complex developmental delays or intellectual disabilities. Externs learn to administer developmental tests, including measures of intelligence, attention, language, social cognition, visual-motor abilities and emotional adjustment. Externs are taught to interpret test data, formulate diagnoses, assist with report writing and participate in parent feedback conferences.
- An optional externship is also available through the CASD Gender, Autism and Neurodiversity program. Externs will work with the Gender and Autism Program team and learn about gender-related assessment and characterization of intersecting autism/ neurodivergence. This optional elective includes training in assessment and/or intervention.
Enrollment in a doctoral program in clinical or school psychology is required. This advanced externship is most appropriate for students who have completed coursework in assessment and therapy and have prior experience with children. Prior experience with autism spectrum disorder and/or related disabilities is preferred.
Externships are typically 12 months (September-August), two days per week. All applicants are screened and interviewed through the Clinical Externship Program in the Division of Neuropsychology.
Contact Information
For more information about our clinical externships in autism, please contact Srishti Rau, Ph.D.