This project will prepare six doctoral leaders in the area of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) so that they can have the skills to investigate and provide evidence based practices to individuals with ASD and families across their lifespan and in rural communities. METHOD: Activities of this project include: (a) providing expertise in applied behavioral methodology within general and special education learning environments; (b) providing competence in quantitative analysis of single-case research and meta-analysis; (c) producing productive, independent researchers who have connections with senior researchers in autism, behavioral methodology, and transition; and (d) providing key competencies valued in higher education leadership positions (research, grantsmanship, teaching and supervision, and field consultation).