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Plans for the future

MonolithImmortal

Well-Known Member
Lately I've been thinking about what I want to do for a career. Currently I'm a dental technician (CAD design for dental restorations). I like it enough to be doing it now, and I'm able to make ends meet but frankly I don't think this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

I've been thinking about going back to school and getting a degree in psychology, and eventually a PhD. I want to have a diagnostic practice specializing in ASD, ADD, ADHD and other developmental disorders that is geared towards minorities, non-native English speakers and financially disadvantaged families, since all of these groups tend to be under-diagnosed and don't receive the support or services that they need, and wind up incarcerated for one reason or another. There's a lack of accessible and affordable practices for these communities and I'd like to be able to offer my services at reasonable rates. I'd also like to also specialize in diagnosing adults with Autism since there are so few psychologists who do so.

Anyway, I'm not really sure how to go about starting such an endeavor. I'd like to get my undergraduates online, but I don't know which universities offer a completely online BS in psychology. Do you guys have any idea where I should start looking?
 
My daughter is studying Phycology at A level. She has an interest in understanding humans as social beings. I think she is using to try and work through her condition post diagnosis. She might think about going down a similar route. However she is aiming to do Biomedical Engineering at the moment.

I just wondered how a clinician on the spectrum could diagnose Autism as they are not able to read typical people. Besides it seems that NTs like to have the grasp on who gets to bestow the title of ASD / Asperger's on the neuro diverse.

I admire your motives. I await responses with anticipation!
 
Are you in the US?

In the US, it is extremely competitive to get into a doctoral program for clinical psychology. Other areas, such as counseling psychology, are not as competitive (though probably still difficult). I would look into whether where you get the BS in psychology will affect your competitiveness in getting into a doctorate program. There are some universities where you can pay your way through a doctorate in psychology (rather than getting funding), I forget what those programs are called.

As for looking for online BS in psychology, just do a google search for "online bachelors psychology". That will bring up many programs for you. Look for public universities since the rates will be lower, even if you are out of state.
 
Unfortunately, I don't have any useful advice on the matter, but you've got my moral support. It's an unfortunate state of things that ASD treatment where it exists is something of a luxury (which implies white/middle-class privilege); glad someone is so motivated to do something about that. Go you!
 
My daughter is studying Phycology at A level. She has an interest in understanding humans as social beings. I think she is using to try and work through her condition post diagnosis. She might think about going down a similar route. However she is aiming to do Biomedical Engineering at the moment.

I just wondered how a clinician on the spectrum could diagnose Autism as they are not able to read typical people. Besides it seems that NTs like to have the grasp on who gets to bestow the title of ASD / Asperger's on the neuro diverse.

I admire your motives. I await responses with anticipation!

You bring up a good point about how hard it could be to read patients or diagnose, if one was a clinician with ASD, but I will give an opposing view for the sake of argument by giving a few quick points.

(1) Tons of things can be learned through the study of psychology, so that can offset "some" of any limitations in the ability to read people or in evaluating otherwise. Those with hyperfocus and intense interest on their studies and special field of interest can go a long way in any medical area.

(2) A clinician who has similar signs, symptoms, and traits of of many of their patients might be able to pick up on those things just as easy for those patients than a clinician who never lived through those issues.

(3) Many psychiatrists and psychologists have conditions either undiagnosed, or diagnosed and hidden from the patients, or with personalities that would not seem to fit in the health care field. They can have issues that make evaluating or treating difficult, like if their condition or personality is such they are either not good with the details, but think in general terms, or if they are too impatient, too arrogant, have poor listening skills, improper agendas, or if they have an 'I am too busy for you' attitude. These can impact the ability to diagnose or treat properly, too. But, they can have successful careers nevertheless.

(4) It is extremely rare to find any such mental health professional who has everything: book smarts, compassion, dedication, loyalty, patience, a pleasant personality, honesty, a great work ethic for each patient, lack of bias, great insight, reciprocal communication, open mindedness, great listening skills, and so on. It seems like the original poster could have just as many of those needed skills than many practicing in psychology or psychiatry today.

(5) As long as any person with a condition gets that medical training, and has the right qualifications, then I would encourage them to give it a try, if they got into the field for the right reasons. It seems like the op has a great attitude and strong desire to help the less advantaged there. After all, things can only get better, as things are pretty bad right now with the doctors we have seen, in terms of attitude, competence, and abilities.

(6) There needs to be more specialists for conditions such as ASD, ADD, ADHD, and Sensory Related conditions. We had to drive six hours away to see such a specialist for our youngest son, as all the many local doctors we went to seemed clueless, or did not accept our insurance. That was ridiculous. How many persons suffer at the hands of doctors who are trained apparently to just look in ears, up noses, in mouths, etc., and not trained to screen for conditions, or with little ability to look beneath the surface and ask appropriate questions?

So, I would support fully the original poster's desires. I am not sure which are the best universities that have such an online psychology program. Others may be better in research there.
 

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