Clinical Training

Discipline‐specific clinical training experiences are arranged through academic programs, such as field experiences or pediatric specialty rotations through affiliations with the American Family Children’s Hospital or occasionally on an individual basis. Interdisciplinary clinical training can be completed as part of the Wisconsin Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (WI LEND) Program. Pediatric Residents and Family Medicine Residents also complete rotations in the Waisman Center clinics.

Clinical training experiences focus on health professionals learning to provide family‐centered, culturally‐competent, coordinated interdisciplinary care to children with special health care needs and their families. Clinicians from many disciplines work together in Waisman Center clinics, combining knowledge in the following areas: audiology, biochemical and clinical genetics, including genetic counseling, developmental/behavioral pediatrics, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, orthopedics, pediatric rehabilitation, physical therapy, psychology, social work, and speech and language.

Currently, the Waisman Center provides clinical care through specialty clinics that are operated in collaboration with University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics and several University of Wisconsin‐Madison academic departments. Clinical services are clustered to address developmental concerns in three areas:

  • developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum and other disorders
  • neuromotor disabilities (including augmentative communication)
  • genetics and heritable disorders.

If you are a current University of Wisconsin‐Madison student, contact your academic department to arrange clinical training or observation opportunities at the Waisman Center. Students from other colleges and universities may also pursue field placements at the Waisman Center as individually arranged by the students’ program faculty.