Before beginning the MS-SLP, “Double ‘Dore” Sophie Kaiser graduated from Vanderbilt with a bachelor’s in Cognitive Studies and Medicine, Health, and Society with minors in Special Education and Spanish. Her time at VU and experiences mentoring adults with intellectual disabilities and job coaching neurodivergent individuals ultimately led her to the field of speech-language pathology, where she decided to pursue the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) track. Led by Jennifer H. Ask, CCC-SLP, the ASD track is funded by a U.S. Department of Education training grant that focuses on addressing the needs of infants and children with autism.
“Through my experiences, I learned about the importance of neurodiversity affirming care, and this track felt like a good opportunity to marry a lot of my different passions while pursuing my career,” Kaiser said.
From classes that collaborate with the Special Education department at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to SLP-specific courses, Kaiser has always valued looking at autism through a holistic lens. She looks forward to broadening her skills through the Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorders course offered this fall.
“It’ll be my first time being taught about autism through the perspective of a speech-language pathologist, so I’m excited for that class,” she said. “So far, the content of our classes has been reflected well in what we are seeing clinically, which I appreciate.”
Through the ASD track, students also have the opportunity to be clinically trained to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition (ADOS-2) through the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute For Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD). The ADOS-2 is a standardized assessment that is utilized as a tool for diagnosing ASD in children and adults. Kaiser, whose current clinical placement is in a K-2 school, recognizes the imperative need for accurate and timely diagnosis.
“I’m very passionate about bringing autism diagnostic services to places that might not already have it,” she said. “Especially working now in a school, diagnosis and eligibility for services can often go hand in hand. So learning about the process and going through the training for the ADOS-2 has felt like an impactful experience.”
During Maymester, students on the ASD track have the opportunity to observe at Vanderbilt’s Tadpole Clinic. An applied behavior analysis (ABA) clinic, the Tadpole Clinic’s providers offer low-intensity early behavioral intervention for toddlers, focused on social communication and engagement skills. In the fall, Kaiser is looking forward to a clinical practicum at Vanderbilt’s Preschool for Children with Autism, an intensive communication program for young children with a diagnosis of ASD. Kaiser says what stands out to her most about these opportunities is their emphasis on interdisciplinary care.
Learn more about the tracks and curriuculum of the SLP program on our website.