International Training Program in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities | UC Davis MIND Institute

The International Training Program in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (ITPND) educates health-care professionals from around the world in the treatment and management of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, fragile X syndrome and related conditions, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Down syndrome and the RASopathies.

An estimated 300 million individuals worldwide have a neurodevelopmental disabilities, yet only a small percentage of health-care professionals are familiar with these conditions, and still fewer are expert in their treatment and management. The program is designed to address the need to train health-care professionals to conduct research on these conditions and care for individuals diagnosed with them.

What are neurodevelopmental disabilities?

Neurodevelopmental disabilities often are characterized by intellectual disability and may have associated physical and mental-health disabilities. For example, people with Down syndrome and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome also may have cardiac anomalies.  Many of these lifelong conditions are evident at birth. They have no cure, though interventions increasingly are being developed to address many of their core symptoms. In some parts of the world, having such a condition often means a lifetime of marginalization and alienation from society and exclusion – even from one’s own family.

Why is Training important?

Most families are highly dependent upon guidance from trained professionals who:

• demonstrate compassion and empathy;
• make genuine efforts to communicate with their patients;
• understand the stages of parental  acceptance following a diagnosis;
• appreciate the challenges of raising a child with special needs;
• respect parents’ knowledge about their children's needs.

I am very glad to have had the learning experience at the MIND. Now that I am back here in Colombia I am able to see many more possibilities for my patients. At the MIND, there were so many people working on the same goals as me. I learned so much!—Dr. Carolina Alba Rosero, Colombia

The Program

Scholars from around the world will develop and/or improve their knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Clinical interventions
• Diagnosis
• Clinical research
• Genetic counseling
• Pharmacology
• Parent support
• Co-morbid conditions
• Intellectual disabilities
• Basic molecular research
• Special education
• Mental-health issues
• Disability rights
• Genetics
• Behavior management
• Screening
• Communication
• Employment opportunities
• Aging

An individualized curriculum tailored to each scholar’s interests will maximize their existing skills and develop the core competencies that are for crucial for neurodevelopmental intervention specialists, regardless of their existing specialization or areas of interest.

The MIND Institute welcomes professionals and students from all corners of the globe to come train with us. Families who have a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder need your help. We will work and learn together to improve global health!—Randi Hagerman, M.D.

Partial Program Requirements

• Duration: The minimum duration is three months; the maximum is 12 months.
• Language: Demonstrated English proficiency is required.
• Visa requirements: A J-1 Visa for entry into the United States through the university’s Services for International Students and Scholars is required for those participating for more than six months. A B-1 Visa is acceptable for those staying less than six months.
• Finances: There is no subsidy for travel, housing, living expenses or medical care.
• References: A signed letter of recommendation from your current institution/faculty mentor will be required.
• The program is fee based; the exact fee will be based on a number of variables, such as length of stay.

How To Apply

To learn more about the program, please contact Robert Miller, program manager, robmillerconsulting@outlook.com. Please use a subject line of “Interested in applying to the ITPND”

My two years at the MIND Institute allowed me to acquire powerful research skills and improve my general knowledge about neurodevelopmental disorders from a more scientific point of view. I was given the chance to apply my clinical experience in an evidence-based environment together with help from the faculty members. The Institute is a wonderful place where human values and science come together to improve the lives of children and families.—María Díez-Juan, M.S., Spain

How to Donate to ITPND

• Under Please Select Recipient select MIND Institute
• Under Special instructions for this gift type in International Training Program in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
• If donating from outside the USA, please, enter your full address under Special instructions for this gift type in International Training Program in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
• To Donate By Mail: Under Areas gifts may be designated to, check Other and print International Training Program in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities