Dr. Karla Doepke's autism project involves a number of undergraduate students who teach language and social skills to children diagnosed with autism.

The Autism Service at the Psychological Services Center encompasses four main areas:
(1) workshops or in-service training designed to provide education and training to professionals, paraprofessionals and parents who are working with individuals diagnosed with autism;
(2) individual direct service, either clinic-based or home-based, to children diagnosed with autism and their families;
(3) consultation to schools and families regarding individual children or specific issues related to autism; and
(4) evaluation of intervention effectiveness and acceptability. A treatment team comprised of ISU faculty members, graduate student clinicians, and undergraduate students generally provide services.

Undergraduate students who work on this project with Dr. Doepke typically spend 4-10 hours per week. The majority of that time is spent in working directly with the children, with the remainder spent in team meetings and supervision. Students read several articles related to autism. They also have the opportunity to present their projects at the Undergraduate Research Symposium which is held each spring.

For more information about this project, please contact Dr. Doepke at 438-2969 or email kdoepke@ilstu.edu.