Postdoctoral Fellowship with a Specialty in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Postdoctoral Fellows with a specialization in autism spectrum disorders glean wide ranging experiences in diagnostic services and interventions for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum.  Roles can include:

• conducting diagnostic evaluations and follow-up evaluations
• providing cognitive-based individual and group therapy
•  participating in the training and supervision of a staff of five pre-doctoral interns and of bachelor’s/master’s level staff
• providing consultation to direct care staff providing home/community-based intervention services
• providing consultation to direct service staff in inclusive therapeutic summer camps for children on the autism spectrum
• participate in applied research activities and program development, including preparing of publication and presenting at professional conferences

Fellows are responsible for providing didactic training session for doctoral interns and program staff.  Trainings provided by fellows might include topics such as evidence-based treatments, autism interventions, current assessment issues, or and other related areas. The fellow also provides supervision and consultation to practicum students and pre-doctoral interns.

The fellow will have the opportunity to interface with a variety of services offered by The Watson Institute for children with autism, including:

• a nationally known model preschool program for children with autism (LEAP)
• a Consultation and Training Program providing services to more than 40 school districts and other agencies
• the first systematic, inclusive summer program for children with autism in the country (WISP)
• a diagnostic clinic providing services to children and their families from the Western Pennsylvania region and beyond.

The Watson Institute serves over 1000 children with autism over the course of a year.  The postdoctoral fellow will gain experience spanning the full range of symptoms and ability levels, from toddler through to the age of 21. 

The fellowship is intended to prepare individuals who intend to become experts in diagnostic practices and intervention services for children and adolescents with autism.

Candidates must have received their Ph.D./PsyD in psychology, completed their pre-doctoral internship successfully, and be available to begin a one year internship by the end of August.  Candidates should submit a cover letter and vita to josephm@thewatsoninstitute.org.  Materials should be submitted as soon as possible.  Letters of reference and redacted reports may be requested of candidates subsequently.  The application process will be closed when a suitable candidate is identified.