Preparing a New Generation of Early Autism Educators

Despite young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) making up larger portions of early intervention caseloads and classrooms, many educators and related service providers do not receive explicit training and practical experience in supporting these students until they encounter them on caseloads. This chapter provides an example of a personnel preparation program emphasizing interdisciplinary training of early intervention (EI)/Early childhood special education (ECSE) service providers and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to serve young children with ASD. Specifically, the chapter will discuss the Preparing a New Generation of Early Autism Educators (PANGEA) personnel preparation grant (H325K180170), funded through the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education. Descriptions and rationales for required competencies, coursework, and practicum will be described as well as induction support. Finally, the chapter will review strengths and positive outcomes, challenges, and future directions for similar interdisciplinary grants.