Clinical/Interdisciplinary Training Competencies

The clinical training program is designed to develop leadership and clinical knowledge, skills, and values in our trainees. As a result of their participation in our clinical training program, pre-service clinical trainees will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the incidence, prevalence, etiology, signs and symptoms, cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial characteristics of a wide range of populations with behavioral or developmental disabilities.
• demonstrate the ability to use diagnostic assessment tools to evaluate children who have a wide variety of behavioral and developmental disabilities.
• demonstrate the ability to conduct a thorough disciplinary assessment and articulate appropriate interventions.
• value the strengths of interdisciplinary teams and be able to describe the purpose and utility of interdisciplinary evaluations in the care of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
• participate as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
• be able to consider the "whole child" in conducting an evaluation, to include strengths and weaknesses and a consideration of the child’s abilities in a variety of settings including home, school, and community.
• describe the range of impacts that children with disabilities may have on families.
• demonstrate skill and empathy in listening to and responding to concerns of children and families.
• be committed to the inclusion of persons with disability into mainstream society and work to develop policies, services, and supports to realize this goal.
• describe family systems and processes and integrate this knowledge into ongoing clinical work.
• convey diagnostic and treatment recommendations with clarity both in writing and verbally.
• demonstrate skill in creating partnerships with parents in the care of children with developmental and behavioral disabilities.
• acknowledge the diversity of perceptions about disability and attitudes toward disability in varied cultural and ethnic groups.
• demonstrate knowledge of cultural dimensions as they are manifested in family structure, communication styles, beliefs, and traditions.
• be able to identify community resources for implementing recommendations and for responding to future needs of children and families.
• embrace the concept of medical home and endeavor to deliver services within such a model of care.
• demonstrate knowledge of issues related to accessibility and availability of services and support and identify strategies for obtaining these services on behalf of families.
• support families by assisting with advocacy and other legal supports as needed.
• demonstrate the principles of managed care organizations and the impact on healthcare services for children and families.
• describe public health systems and agencies that affect children with developmental and behavioral disabilities, including federal and state legislation, and the structure and function of agencies.
• explain how children obtain services within schools and the role/function of the school team and individual educational plans (IEPs).  
• demonstrate an understanding of recent research as it applies to the evaluation and care of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.
• function as a leader within his/her identified discipline
• design interventions and services to address identified needs.