Undergraduate Opportunities

CNCSP 199RA Experiences Often Include One or More of the Following:

• Group training/supervision meetings

• Actual clinical sessions with children and adults with autism (e.g. early behavioral intervention, peer mentor support, group social skills support)

• Research assistant duties for grad student and center projects

Course Details:

• CNCSP 199RA is a variable unit course and students will typically enroll in 1 unit for every ~3 hours of weekly work, including meetings, sessions, and independent work

• For example, 1 unit = 3 hours/week, 2 units = 4-6 hours/week. Most students start with 2 units, and the total units can be adjusted when grades are entered at the end of the quarter.

• Each project and program has its own team meeting times. You might also schedule sessions directly with individuals and families when both parties have availability.

• Students may apply a maximum of 4 units of CNCSP 199 toward the Applied Psychology minor

Student Requirements:

• Have a positive demeanor, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to actively contribute to team discussions

• Show up consistently to all scheduled meetings and sessions

• Complete all assigned tasks on time with excellent attention to detail

• Demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and persistence, especially in the face of set-backs and challenges.

• Ability to commit to multiple quarters (to ensure continuity for projects and clients), although we can sometimes accommodate students who can only enroll in 1-2 quarters.

Projects May Include (subject to availability):

• Undergraduate Clinical Practicum (reach out to autism@ucsb.edu regarding interest)

• Early Play-Based Autism Intervention with Toddlers & Parents

• School-Based Social Skills Groups

• Behavioral & Social Skills Consultation

• Motivation-Based Social Skills Program for Children & Teens

• Teen Hang-Out Groups

• Peer Mentorship for Adults learning Social, Organizational, and Time-Management Skills

  • *Please note that we are not currently taking on any additional Peer Mentors as of 10/01/2023

• UCSB Student TEAM Club

• Creative and Community Clubs for Adults

Note: Most students commit to one project, although some will occasionally do two. 

Professional Development Goals

The ultimate goal of the course is to provide students with a broad, comprehensive introduction to autism (including developmental, diversity, diagnostic, treatment, and research issues) that will help prepare them for future personal and professional endeavors, including graduate training and a range of health service and research roles.

Research and clinical experience are often critical component of many graduate school applications. The UCSB Koegel Autism Center allows undergraduates to participate in several aspects of the applied research process under the close guidance of an experienced graduate student clinician or one of the autism center directors. Undergrads may also have the opportunity to work directly with children with autism and their families and schools, again with close supervision.

To apply, fill out our online CNCSP 197 Interest Form.

In addition to the application, please also email our clinic coordinators autism@ucsb.edu with CNCSP 199RA as the subject line and confirm interest. Your application will be reviewed, and if suitable, our team will schedule a time to meet for an interview.