The primary goal of this project is to support trainees in obtaining graduate degrees in special education or speech language pathology with appropriate area teacher certification and an endorsement in the area of autism from the Florida Department of Education (DOE). To do this, Project ASSET focuses on:

• Coursework and practicum opportunities to gain knowledge and skills in evidence based practices for individuals with autism

• Specialized competency-based training to address the unique needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations of students with autism and their families

• Practicum experiences working as a consultant with the multidisciplinary staff of CARD

• Extended interactions with individuals with autism and their families in their natural environments

• Collaboration in early intervention and school-based activities designed to assist regular education teachers, paraprofessionals, family members, and others to increase achievement of outcomes for students with autism

• Mentorship from an interdisciplinary team of culturally and linguistically diverse students and professionals studying or working in the field of autism