FAQs

This program is for students applying for a Masters in speech-language pathology or special education to The University of New Mexico who have specific interests in working with young children with autism and related disabilities.

This program (embedded in your master's degree plan) will take a minimum of 5 semesters (4 regular semesters and 1 summer semester) to complete if taking full course loads each semester. However, your degree plan may have additional requirements which might extend past those semesters. Funding will be provided during your first 5 semesters.

We encourage non-degree students who are looking to pursue a Masters in speech-language pathology at UNM to apply. Please be mindful of requirements that need to be met for the speech-language pathology program before applying (i.e., 12 credit hours in SHS to apply to the SHS graduate program, 30 credit hours in SHS to apply to ProjectSCENES). Please expect program completion to take longer than 5 semesters (funding will only be for 5 semesters).

This project is funded by a grant from the US Department Education: Office of Special Education Programs. For more information about this grant click here.

New Mexico provides early intervention services to families of infants and toddlers who have or are at-risk for a developmental delay via the Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program. Early intervention services, such as speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, or specialized instruction, are accessible and family oriented. Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) are developed to set goals for the child and family. Any child under the age of 3 who is a resident of New Mexico may be referred to the (FIT) Program. It is not necessary to determine a diagnosis or a delay prior to referral.

For more information click here.

Early childhood special education and related services (i.e., speech-language pathology, occupational therapy), which meet the needs of preschoolers with disabilities or developmental delays, are required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) detail the services and supports that a child will receive to meet the goals set by the team. Eligible children receive early childhood special education and related services with their non-disabled peers (in the Least Restrictive Environment), to the greatest extent appropriate.

For more information click here.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that impacts social communication and interaction skills. It is also characterized by the presence of repetitive behaviors, specific interests, or sensory differences. Individuals with ASD may communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from other people. Some people with ASD need a lot of support in their daily lives; others need less. While some people prefer to use person first language (person with ASD) others prefer to use identify first language (autistic person).

More information from the CDC can be found here

The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disabilities (LEND) interdisciplinary traineeship is designed to develop knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities including Autism

• Family-Centered and Culturally Competent Care

• Policy and Advocacy

• Leadership

• Interdisciplinary Skills.

The program includes seminars on Fridays throughout two semesters, leadership content, clinical skill building, research, and public policy and leadership workshops. Utilizing evidence-based materials, case studies and problem-based learning, role-play and experiential activities, observation of live clinics, and project activities, participants will develop expertise in understanding, working in partnership with, and advocating for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. The interactive seminars are provided in conjunction with required readings, assignments, book and journal club, webinars, family-match experience, Capstone project that embeds leadership and research skills, and participation in orientation, leadership and public policy workshops. Trainees can expect to spend 300 hours participating in LEND seminars and completing assignments and activities over two semesters. The traineeship includes a stipend (dependent on federal grant funding).

For more information about the LEND program visit their website here

New Mexico's Center for Development and Disability has a wonderful and informative autism portal that can be accessed here.