Neuropsychology Central

[oh behave!]

Hello all,

Can anyone give me some insight into what coursework is typically necessary to get into clinical neuropsych programs?

To give you a little background...
I have recently finished my non-thesis M.S. in applied behavior analysis, and should be (hopefully!) a certified behavior analyst (BCBA) soon. I am currently working as a clinician in the field with children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. I plan to continue clinical work in behavior analysis for at least another year and a half (I'm still recovering from my last intensive grad program) while I prepare for graduate school--so I have plenty of time to take any necessary courses post-baccalaureate.

I also have an undergraduate degree in psychology, but at the time, I had not heard of neuropsychology as a clinical field, so I didn't take any coursework that I can imagine is necessary.. i.e. biology, neuroanatomy, behavioral neuroscience. I have taken graduate level behavioral pharmacology.

I'm also interested in any input about any research and/or clinical experience I should look into before applying. Most of my clinical work has been with children and adults with autism and DD's (3-4 years at undergrad and master's level), although I have spent some time working with abused/neglected children, as well as foster parents.

My specific interest in neuropsych has developed through my readings about fMRI research with neurotypicals and individuals with autism spectrum disorders coming out of Yale. I anticipate a career both clinically and research based--I'm specifically interested in examining effects of ABA therapy on the developing brain of a child an autism spectrum disorder.

I would appreciate any advice about pre-application prepwork--both coursework and experientially, as well as any direction about specific universities that have research projects similar to my interests. I have found a program at Georgia State, in which they are doing fMRI research on recognizing emotions with people with ASD's. If anyone has any input on the program at GSU, I would also appreciate it!

Thank you in advance for your helpful advice!