Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are being diagnosed at alarmingly high rates and school psychologists are charged with evaluating, identifying, and providing interventions for students with ASD in the United States’ public school systems. A national survey probed Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP) to determine their level of knowledge in the area of autism assessment; the assessment methods, measures, and techniques they employed; their level of training; and their level of preparation and confidence. Results indicated training positively affected NCSPs knowledge about autism; their levels of involvement with students with autism; and their perceived levels of preparation to work with this population. Of the 662 participants, the majority accurately identified true and false statements about autism and the diagnostic features suggesting they had a clear understanding of how to diagnose autism. Participants with more training reported an increased level of involvement on multidisciplinary teams and an ability to diagnose autism when compared to those with less training. Brief rating scales were among the most commonly used instruments, while lengthier, more robust diagnostic instruments were among the least-often employed suggesting school psychologists are not trained or are too strapped for time and resources to use these instruments. Participants felt more prepared to provide consultation and assessment services and less prepared to provide interventions. More than half (57.5%) of participants reported they had formal training (completed formal course work or internship experience) in autism, but just over 40% had only informal training in the form of workshop or in-service attendance. The National Research Council (2001) stresses that workshops are not an appropriate substitute for effective training, supervision, and consultation, indicating too many of the nation’s school psychologists lack sufficient training in the area of autism. These data and previous research (i.e., Filipek et al., 1999; Ikeda, 2002; Spears, Tollefson, & Simpson, 2001) suggest school psychologists need more formal training and experience in meeting the needs of individuals identified with autism. / Department of Educational Psychology

Ten years have elapsed since the last comprehensive national study of school psychologists' job satisfaction. During this time, a number of forces have affected the field. Practice issues, program changes, and personnel concerns have had the potential to change the working environment and activities of the practicing school psychologist. This study was designed to survey the level of job satisfaction of a national sample of school psychologists, and compare the current level of job satisfaction with that of school psychologists in 1982. Data were collected through mailed surveys consisting of a demographic data form and a modified form of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Four hundred and forty psychologists were mailed survey materials, and 81.5% responded. Of those that responded, 228 full-time practitioners employed in the schools were included in the data analysis. The survey results indicate that 86% of the practicing school psychologists are either satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs, with only 14% indicating that they were dissatisfied with their jobs. School psychologists are satisfied with most aspects of their jobs as measured by the 20 scales of the Minnesota satisfaction Questionnaire. School system policies and practices and opportunities for advancement were the only two scales with which the group was dissatisfied. Four demographic variables combined to predict increased job satisfaction: female gender, national certification, private practice and intention to remain in the current job for the next five years. The level of overall satisfaction for the 1992 and 1982 groups is almost identical. While the order varied somewhat, both groups are most satisfied with the same six factors, and least satisfied with the same seven factors. The present group of school psychologists is more satisfied with it’s opportunities for advancement, opportunities to direct others on the job, the technical quality of the supervision received, and job security than was the group in 1982. Several implications and recommendations were drawn from the study. These included further attention to preparing school psychologists for supervisory roles and private practice; investigation of non-administrative opportunities for advancement and job enrichment for practicing school psychologists; and further study of gender differences in job satisfaction and the job satisfaction of school psychologists employed in non-school settings. / Ph. D.