Upstate Medical University has launched the Behavior Analysis Studies master's program.

The two-year program will teach students how to provide theraputic services for people with autism or similar disorders. 

The director says more people are being diagnosed with autism than ever before. 

But there are not enough professionals in the area to help. 

"Early identification is really good, but if you don't pair early identification with early intervention via evidence-based practice, then you're missing a step," said Henry Roane, the Upstate Medical University Behavior Analysis Studies program director. "So, creating a program that trains people to do that, fills that gap." 

The program's director hopes to have behavior analysts help in other parts of the community like schools and homes.