The Division of Behavioral Health at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children offers 11 clinical postdoctoral fellowships beginning August or September 2020. Positions are open to graduates from American Psychological Association-approved doctoral programs who will have completed their internship training and all degree requirements by the start of fellowship. Fellowships are one year in duration unless otherwise noted. The fellowships offer clinical training under five categories: Pediatric Psychology, Integrated Primary Care, Child Clinical, the Autism Center and Neuropsychology. Specific postdoctoral fellowships are outlined below.

In addition to clinical hours, fellows participate in didactic seminars spanning topics such as professional development, clinical supervision, research and scholarly inquiry and hospital grand rounds. Nemours, as an enterprise, is committed to the D.R.I.V.E. Strategy (Diversity, Anti-Racism, Inclusion, Value and Equity), and the fellow will be involved in a monthly diversity and cultural humility seminar, as well as specific grand rounds in diversity and cultural competence. Fellows also have opportunities to supervise other psychology trainees from our psychology externship and internship programs. Applicants are invited to apply for one or more positions.

We are seeking applicants for 2 fellowship positions in Behavioral Health and the Swank Autism Center at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. The Swank Autism Center provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for children with ASD up to age 18 years.  Clinical services are interdisciplinary and collaborative with joint medical and psychology leadership. Postdoctoral fellows have the opportunity to work with other members of the Swank Autism Center interdisciplinary team. We are excited to offer two positions. Each position includes an interdisciplinary clinic, either 1) Child Development Watch or 2) Feeding Clinic. Additionally both postdoctoral fellows will participate in 3) the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND)*.

Major Emphasis: Clinical Care

Both ASD positions will primarily involve direct clinical care with ASD as a referral question, including diagnostic evaluations, comprehensive testing, ongoing treatment (both parent-mediated and CBT), empirically validated group interventions for children and parents, and exposure to patients with ASD in a medical setting. Although ASD is often the referral question, there will be a substantial component of child clinical assessment and treatment, as well as medically complicated developmental concerns commonly presenting within this population.  Applicants ideally will have a documented interest and clinical experience in ASD; although ADOS-2 training is not required, it is preferred.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most assessment and treatment for ASD is being provided over telehealth, as masking and social distancing requirements make it difficult to accurately assess social and communication functioning in clinic. The typical test battery for ASD assessment has been reduced, relying heavily on the tele-ASD-peds for young children, structured observations to inform CARS2 ratings for older children, rating scales and clinical expertise of the psychologist, all performed over telehealth. In-person cognitive and language testing can be completed if needed for diagnostic clarity. Though the majority of clinical care is over telehealth, fellows will be given the opportunity to provide in-person care as is clinically indicated and safety protocols evolve,/p>

Minor Emphasis: Multidisciplinary Clinic

Position 1: Child Developmental Watch — South:
This position offers a unique opportunity to become immersed in the very early years of 0–3 by providing services through Child Development Watch (CDW) in southern Delaware. CDW is a state funded 0–3 early intervention program. Under the supervision of a psychologist, the fellow will spend one day per week as an active participant in a multidisciplinary developmental assessment, completing autism-specific assessment in children 0–3 years of age.  

Position 2: Interdisciplinary Feeding Clinic:
This clinic provides the opportunity to work with other medical providers during consultations for children presenting with chronic feeding difficulties, often in the context of complex medical histories. Additionally, the fellow will gain experience in providing behavioral feeding consultations and therapy. Consultations and ongoing follow-up will be provided via telehealth and/or in person based on continued COVID-19 guidelines.