Project ASSET is designed to be integrated within current graduate program requirements in Communication Disorders and Childhood Education, Reading and Disability Services. The curriculum requirements for grant trainees include:

• Participation in a 60 semester hour graduate program emphasizing specialization coursework for the endorsement in autism for Communication Disorders or;

• Participation in a 5 year graduate program with a specialization in autism for CERDS

• Participation in assigned practica and a semester long internship in early intervention or school based programs working with individuals with autism

• Participation in ten hours per week of an early intervention or school-based practicum, continuing education/staff development activities, and action research with an emphasis on translating research to practice in the area of autism

• Participation in extended interactions with a family of an individual with autism to learn about the impact of autism on family lifestyle, understand the family’s cultural values and participate in activities with the family and child.

Each trainee’s coursework and practicum experience is guided by a set of competencies (Autism Competencies). The attainment of competencies will be accomplished as a part of graduate and grant coursework and practicum collaborations.