Autism Awareness Q&A with Dr. Kait Gould
Dr. Kait Gould is a licensed psychologist in New York State and currently teaches the Certificate of Graduate Study (CGS) in Autism program at the University at Albany. Gould received her BA in Psychology and MS in School Psychology from the University at Albany. She completed her PhD in School Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where she also completed requirements to become a BCBA-D, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Doctoral. Following graduation, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where she provided support to parents and their children engaging in harmful behaviors.
- Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at UAlbany?
I currently work at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) in the role of a Clinical Investigator. In this position, I develop and provide trainings to parents, school-based professionals, and community providers on topics related to autism, as well as consult to schools regarding supporting students on the spectrum. In addition to this role, I also teach the Autism Certificate of Graduate Studies courses at UAlbany. I am trained as a licensed psychologist and BCBA-D and have worked in the field of autism for about 10 years.
- What is autism? Why is it important to have awareness about autism?
Autism is a neurology characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, as evidenced by differences in verbal/non-verbal communication (the tendency to talk passionately about special interests, to not engage in small talk, or to stim while talking, just to name a few). In addition to communication differences, autism is also characterized by repetitive behaviors or interests, as evidenced by at least two of the following: stimming or echolalia, security in routines, special interests, and hyper or hypo-reactivity to stimuli. Autism is typically a “hidden disability”, meaning that it is not marked by obvious physical features. It is important that people have awareness about autism because 1 in 36 children in the U.S. are on the spectrum, and it is essential that focus is placed on collaborative support aimed at increasing environmental accessibility to increase quality of life.
- What are some common misconceptions and/or stigmas involving autism?
There are unfortunately too many to form a comprehensive list. I would recommend that people do a little bit of research into neurodiversity and the medical versus social models of disability. By doing so, you will hopefully gain a perspective that allows for you to see autism as a difference not deficit, and that traditional views of autism and autism supports are grounded in a society created only for neurotypical individuals. With that said, a few misconceptions that stick out are listed below.
- You can cause autism.
- Autism should be treated or remediated.
- You can’t be autistic if you have friends or romantic relationships, get married, or have children.
- You can’t be autistic if you make eye contact.
- You can’t be autistic if you engage in conversations.
- Autistic people can’t understand other’s thoughts/emotions or do not have empathy.
- Autistic people can’t live independently, attend college, or have jobs.
- Can you tell us about the Autism Certificate of Graduate Studies offered at UAlbany?
The Autism Certificate of Graduate Studies is a three-course sequence that is offered in an asynchronous format to increase accessibility. This course sequence provides enrolled students with an introduction to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, autism, and autism supports and programming. Courses focus on an overview of autism and providing supports for individuals on the spectrum and include a 100-hour practicum placement. Students can expect to learn the history of autism, biological bases, current perspectives, and the ins and outs of supports related to the core and associated features.
Many past graduate students have found this to be beneficial in their school-based or clinical positions. Specifically, the knowledge gained in these courses allows the graduate student to better understand the individuals they work with, to become a more effective advocate for the individuals they work with, and to better serve their community. The certificate adds to the graduate student’s marketability, as knowledge in autism and behavior is highly sought after and desirable across many different career paths.