About ASD-STP

About our ASD Strategic Training Program

Our Strategic Training Program provides an opportunity for students and professionals to develop their technical and research skills, improve their communication skills, and expand their knowledge about ASDs. Participants pursue advanced research skills that exceed the provisions of existing Departmental and Faculty programs at any one educational centre. The program provides trainees with the skills to ask meaningful research questions and develop innovative research methods, the tools for developing independent research programs, and the ability to communicate effectively with their peers, other professionals, and the public. Most importantly, we encourage trainees to communicate and interact with persons with ASDs and their families by listening to their concerns and answering their questions. Though little is currently known about the biological basis for ASDs, many treatments markedly improve the outcome for persons with autism. By training more people in fields of research concerned with ASDs, a clearer understanding of the pathophysiology of ASDs will emerge, enabling new treatments that will improve the lives of those affected.

Being a part of our Training Program

The program allows students and professionals to develop interdisciplinary research skills. Trainees work closely with two mentors, one in the home department, and one in another department, or at another institution. As a result, they experience different areas of research, broaden their knowledge base and develop novel inter-disciplinary approaches to research in ASDs.

Since the training program incorporates two different subject areas with two different mentors, trainees complete projects within each mentor’s field of research. Though trainees earn a degree through a degree program in their home department, they complete research projects and extra tasks in the secondary department.