CNCSP 199RA Experiences with Dr. Vernon 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.

CNCSP 199RA Experiences with Dr. Castellón Often Include One or More of the Following:

• Group training/supervision meetings

• Community outreach and presentations

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

Current Projects:

Title: Mapping Autism Resources in Santa Barbara County

Description: 
We are launching a research project to create a comprehensive inventory of autism resources, therapy agencies, and community supports available across Santa Barbara County. A central goal of this project is to identify services that are inclusive of, and intentional about, meeting the needs of minority families and families from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Research assistants will play a key role in:

    •    Collecting data on existing autism-related services and supports.

    •    Reviewing websites, community directories, and organizational materials to document available resources.

    •    Reaching out to agencies for clarification about services offered.

    •    Organizing information into a database to highlight accessibility, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness.

Why Join?

This project offers hands-on experience in community-based research with real-world impact. Students will gain skills in data collection, qualitative and quantitative documentation, and equity-focused research methods. The final resource inventory will be shared with local organizations and families to improve awareness of available supports.

Who We’re Looking For:

    •    Undergraduate students from any discipline interested in autism, community health, education, or social equity.

    •    Students who are detail-oriented, organized, and motivated to contribute to meaningful research.

    •    Spanish proficiency is highly valued, though not required.

Time Commitment: Flexible, with opportunities to contribute 3–5 hours per week for 1-year commitments. 

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Title: Expanding Access to Autism Diagnostic Services in the Imperial Valley

Description:
This project is dedicated to increasing access to autism diagnostic services for families in the Imperial Valley, with a focus on reducing barriers to care for underserved and minority communities. Our goal is to support families through the diagnostic process and ensure they are connected with the services they need.

Research assistants will play a vital role in:

    •    Communicating directly with interested families to provide information and support.

    •    Conducting screening interviews and collecting collateral information relevant to the diagnostic process.

    •    Scheduling appointments and screeners via email and phone calls.

    •    Collaborating closely with a multisite research and clinical team to coordinate services and track progress.

Why Join?

Students will gain practical experience in family-centered research, communication, and clinical support processes. This project offers the opportunity to build skills in outreach, data collection, and teamwork across diverse communities. Research assistants will directly contribute to improving access to autism evaluations for families who may otherwise face significant barriers.

Who We’re Looking For:

    •    Undergraduate students with an interest in psychology, health sciences, education, or social equity.

    •    Students who are reliable, empathetic communicators and comfortable engaging with families over the phone and via email.

    •    Spanish proficiency is needed.

Time Commitment: Flexible, with opportunities to contribute 4–6 hours per week.

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Title: Reading Between the Lines: Analyzing Special Education Policy to Support Latine Spanish-Speaking Parents of Autistic Children in Border Cities

Description:
This project is dedicated to recruiting administrators, special educator teachers, and Spanish speaking parents of autistic children who live along the California U.S.-Mexico border to learn about their experiences in IEP meetings. The goal of the project is to learn from leadership how they support these caregivers and for caregivers to share how they feel they have been supported. 

Research assistants will play a vital role in:

    •    Communicating directly with interested participants and share relevant information 

    •    Scheduling appointments and screeners via email and phone calls.

    •    Collaborating closely with clinical team to coordinate services and track progress.

Why Join?

Students will gain practical experience in family-centered research, communication, and clinical support processes. This project offers the opportunity to build skills in outreach, data collection, and teamwork across diverse communities. 

Who We’re Looking For:

    •    Undergraduate students with an interest in psychology, health sciences, education, or social equity.

    •    Students who are reliable, empathetic communicators and comfortable engaging with families over the phone and via email.

    •    Spanish proficiency is highly valued, though not required.

Time Commitment: Flexible, with opportunities to contribute 4–6 hours per week.