Center for Teaching and Research in Autism

 

TARA Center Mission

The mission of the Center is to develop, promote and support research, training and development to increase knowledge and to improve the quality of educational services available to individuals with autism

 
What is Autism?
 
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), autism spectrum disorders refer to persons with significant social interaction impairments, communication problems, and repetitive, stereotypic, and restricted interests and activities. Individuals diagnosed with autistic disorder show their symptoms prior to 36 months of age. Autism spectrum disorders are associated with a broad range of intellectual and language skills, often changing across time. The number of children being referred for autism assessment continues to increase. Current figures estimate the incidence of autism to be one in every 110 children. At the TARA Center, we consider the individual’s strengths, talents and interests as significant aspects of any differential diagnosis.
 
TARA Center Programs:
 
  • The OASIS Program at Pace University’s New York City Campus has been designed to enable and empower academically capable young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)/Asperger Syndrome and related challenges to succeed in college. We are a small and completely inclusive program. OASIS students are matriculated in a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Degree program, and reside in university dormitories. They attend undergraduate classes with Pace students, engaging in all facets of campus life. To learn more about the OASIS Program,  click here: 
 
  • The Autism Specialist Program is a graduate program to prepare fully credentialed personnel to serve students with autism. Ten full scholarships per year (through 2012) will be awarded to qualified teachers, psychologists, speech language therapists, and other related service providers. The program leads to a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Autism and to New York State Annotation in Severe and Multiple Disabilities (for persons holding specific certifications). To learn more about the Autism Specialist Program,  click here: