Outside Observations

Observation of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Curriculum

Trainees complete an observation of one ASD-related intervention and one diagnostic evaluation during the LEND year. This is part of LEND-Pitt’s broader ASD curriculum. These observations complement participation in instructional sessions where trainees learn about evidence-based intervention models, tools for diagnosing autism, “hot topics” related to ASD, and topics relevant to the lived experience of individuals with ASD.

Intervention observations occur within local agencies or schools and intervention models observed are evidence-based. Diagnostic evaluation observation is completed with psychologists at the UPMC Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders (CADD).

Families as Mentors (FAM) Program

In the FAM program, families contribute to training the next generation of professionals who will work with children and youth with disabilities. Trainees visit with a family across two visits, either virtually, or when appropriate, in home and community settings. Through interactions with a family a better understanding of family strengths and family systems is acquired.

The goals of FAM include:

• Develop a better understanding of family strengths

• Recognizing the family as the expert in care of children with complex needs

• Appreciating the richness and diversity of families – focusing on individual strengths and differences to promote better understanding of the role of family dynamics in collaborative partnerships

• To increase cultural humility as it relates to families

Through their interactions with trainees, participating families have an opportunity to:

• Share their family’s stories and lives

• Be linked to the LEND of Pittsburgh program and build family leadership skills

Community Clinical Observations (optional)

Community clinical observations sometimes occur as part of a trainees individualized learning goals/plan within LEND. Observations can be established with UPMC healthcare teams, school-based teams, and additional observation of ASD related clinical services.

Some of the sites to have hosted LEND trainees in recent years include:

• Child Development Unit (CDU) 

• CHP Complex Care Clinic

• CHP Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

• CHP Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

• CHP PKU Clinic

• The Children's Institute

• Western PA School for Blind Children

Trainees discuss their interest in these opportunities with their discipline-specific mentor when developing their individualized leadership plan.  

Leaders as Mentors Program (LAMP)

The Leaders as Mentors Program (LAMP) connects LEND Family Trainees and Disability Leadership Trainees with Community Leaders who have built careers in the disability field. Through LAMP, trainees discover how lived experience and professional expertise can work together to create meaningful impact. In virtual meetings with Community Leaders, trainees gain firsthand insight into the realities of working in the disability field—both its challenges and rewards. These mentorship conversations help trainees envision their own paths forward, whether pursuing a professional career, engaging in advocacy, or serving on committees and boards. LAMP provides trainees with a comprehensive view of the disability field’s diverse opportunities and helps them identify where their unique skills and experiences can make a difference.