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Salma
Student
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda
2
Questions
Asked
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How can i get into psychology study to master the care and help for autistic kids and adults?
I would like to study about illnesses that affect the brain especially among children thereby studying psychology and also pursue medicine career.
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1 answer
Biplab Panda
Engagement Director
116
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
Hi Salma,
To pursue a career focused on helping individuals with autism and studying brain-related illnesses, especially among children, here's a structured path you can take:
1. Build a Strong Foundation in Psychology and Medicine
Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or a Related Field
- Start by earning a Bachelor's in Psychology. Focus on courses like:
- Child Development
- Abnormal Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Behavioral Psychology
- Psychology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Alternatively, you could study Neuroscience, Health Sciences, or Biology with a psychology focus.
Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience
- Seek internships or volunteer work in settings like:
- Schools for children with autism
- Pediatric clinics
- Hospitals with autism or brain research programs
- Gain exposure to children and adults on the autism spectrum to understand their needs better.
Step 3: Consider Pre-Medical Coursework
- If you want to pursue a career in medicine (e.g., child psychiatry, neurology), take pre-med courses alongside psychology. These will cover subjects such as:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
---
2. Graduate Studies and Specialized Training
Step 4: Pursue a Master's or Doctorate in Psychology
- To specialize in autism care, you could pursue a Master's in Clinical Psychology or Psychology with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
- Alternatively, consider a Master’s in Behavioral Therapy or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which directly impacts autism care.
Step 5: Medical School
- If you're aiming for a medical career, apply to medical school after your undergraduate degree.
- Focus on areas like pediatrics, neurology, or psychiatry to study brain function and mental health issues in children and adults.
Step 6: Postgraduate Fellowship
- After completing medical school and residency, you could pursue a fellowship in child psychiatry, neurology, or pediatric neurology to specialize in treating children with brain-related illnesses, including autism.
---
3. Develop Skills and Expertise in Autism
Step 7: Obtain Certifications and Additional Training
- Take certifications in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g., through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board).
- Learn about therapies for autism, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Step 8: Research Opportunities
- Engage in research on neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism, through university labs or healthcare centers.
- Stay updated on advancements in autism treatment, neuropsychology, and brain research.
---
4. Career Paths and Specializations
Career Path 1: Clinical Psychologist for Autism
- Work directly with children and adults with autism, providing therapy, behavioral interventions, and family support.
Career Path 2: Child Psychiatrist
- After completing medical school and psychiatric residency, focus on diagnosing and treating mental health issues in children, including autism spectrum disorders.
Career Path 3: Neurologist Specializing in Pediatrics
- Specialize in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders in children, including conditions that affect brain development and function, like autism.
Career Path 4: Researcher in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Work in academic or clinical settings, studying the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of autism. Research could focus on neurobiological causes, early intervention, or innovative therapies.
Hope this helps, and good luck!
To pursue a career focused on helping individuals with autism and studying brain-related illnesses, especially among children, here's a structured path you can take:
1. Build a Strong Foundation in Psychology and Medicine
Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or a Related Field
- Start by earning a Bachelor's in Psychology. Focus on courses like:
- Child Development
- Abnormal Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Behavioral Psychology
- Psychology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Alternatively, you could study Neuroscience, Health Sciences, or Biology with a psychology focus.
Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience
- Seek internships or volunteer work in settings like:
- Schools for children with autism
- Pediatric clinics
- Hospitals with autism or brain research programs
- Gain exposure to children and adults on the autism spectrum to understand their needs better.
Step 3: Consider Pre-Medical Coursework
- If you want to pursue a career in medicine (e.g., child psychiatry, neurology), take pre-med courses alongside psychology. These will cover subjects such as:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
---
2. Graduate Studies and Specialized Training
Step 4: Pursue a Master's or Doctorate in Psychology
- To specialize in autism care, you could pursue a Master's in Clinical Psychology or Psychology with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
- Alternatively, consider a Master’s in Behavioral Therapy or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which directly impacts autism care.
Step 5: Medical School
- If you're aiming for a medical career, apply to medical school after your undergraduate degree.
- Focus on areas like pediatrics, neurology, or psychiatry to study brain function and mental health issues in children and adults.
Step 6: Postgraduate Fellowship
- After completing medical school and residency, you could pursue a fellowship in child psychiatry, neurology, or pediatric neurology to specialize in treating children with brain-related illnesses, including autism.
---
3. Develop Skills and Expertise in Autism
Step 7: Obtain Certifications and Additional Training
- Take certifications in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g., through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board).
- Learn about therapies for autism, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Step 8: Research Opportunities
- Engage in research on neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism, through university labs or healthcare centers.
- Stay updated on advancements in autism treatment, neuropsychology, and brain research.
---
4. Career Paths and Specializations
Career Path 1: Clinical Psychologist for Autism
- Work directly with children and adults with autism, providing therapy, behavioral interventions, and family support.
Career Path 2: Child Psychiatrist
- After completing medical school and psychiatric residency, focus on diagnosing and treating mental health issues in children, including autism spectrum disorders.
Career Path 3: Neurologist Specializing in Pediatrics
- Specialize in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders in children, including conditions that affect brain development and function, like autism.
Career Path 4: Researcher in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Work in academic or clinical settings, studying the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of autism. Research could focus on neurobiological causes, early intervention, or innovative therapies.
Hope this helps, and good luck!