Pediatric Audiology Trainee Emphasis (PATE)

Contact: Lisa Mancl (lmancl@uw.edu)
Core Function: Professional Training

This project provides specialized training for Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) students at UW. A major focus of PATE is involvement of Au.D. students as long-term trainees in the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) program at the CHDD during the second and third years of their four-year program. Trainees receive didactic and clinical experience to prepare them to provide services in clinical, early intervention, and educational settings and to provide counseling and support services to families. They also learn to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and to use their skills and knowledge to become leaders in their discipline. The project has a specialized curriculum that is disseminated widely to help increase community capacity for pediatric audiology services.

During the first year of their Au.D. program, trainees complete foundational coursework in adult and pediatric audiology. In year two, coursework focuses on specialized areas of audiology, including the hearing impaired child. Clinical practica in year two takes place at CHDD specialty clinics. In year three, trainees will continue required Au.D. coursework, develop and present a LEND leadership project. In year four, all clinical rotations will be focused in pediatric audiology settings in the community. During their counseling practicum, students will work with standardized patients who are portraying the parent of a child with hearing loss. Work with a standardized patient will supplement their clinical experience and provide them immediate and specific feedback on their counseling skills. Finally, students will work with early intervention consultants to learn strategies for working with families with newly diagnosed children and helping them to facilitate communication with their infants.