One of the most innovative aspects of the ART Program is the mentorship.  Trainees are mentored by three ART Faculty, chosen by the trainee, in consultation with the Program Advisory Committee (PAC).  One is an expert in the trainee’s field of study, and the other two represent complementary disciplines and expertise.  For example, a trainee conducting molecular genetic studies would be mentored by a geneticist, paired with two other ART mentors in complementary disciplines, such as psychiatry and clinical psychology.  This ensures that each trainee is exposed to an array of perspectives on autism.

Contact between mentors and trainees is facilitated by emails, telephone calls, and lab visits (using the travel funding), as well as two to three opportunities per year to meet face-to-face: during the Summer School, at the Winter Institute, and at IMFAR.