Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate Online

Program Overview

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate program provides comprehensive knowledge and skills for working with individuals with ASD. It covers essential topics such as characteristics, theories, teaching approaches, and interventions. The program is offered fully online with flexible scheduling and includes field experiences for practical application. Graduates are prepared for careers in education, healthcare, and social services, including special education teaching, speech-language pathology, and behavioral therapy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Certificate program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact on individuals with ASD.
With the increasing prevalence and growing research-to-practice gap in educational programs, there is a critical need for specialized education on ASD.
• Objectives: Upon completion of the program, students will:
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics, theories, and teaching applications for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Develop proficiency in evidence-based strategies and interventions for improving communication in individuals with communication difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, and related disabilities.
• Acquire expertise in the principles of behavior management and interventions that have been successful for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and sensory disabilities.
• Cultivate critical thinking skills to address contemporary issues and trends in the field of developmental disabilities, including social relationships, sensory integration, communication, behavior, core academic areas, transition, family and professional collaboration, and educational models.
• Description: The 12-credit hour certificate program is designed to complement undergraduate studies or can be incorporated into a graduate degree.
It is also open to non-degree seeking students who wish to expand their knowledge and make a positive impact on individuals with ASD.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers a range of essential topics related to ASD, including:
• Characteristics of ASD
• Theories of ASD
• Teaching approaches for students with ASD
• Etiological and diagnostic issues
• Classroom structure and environmental arrangements
• Research-based instructional strategies
• Family involvement
• Structure: The program consists of four required courses:
• EX 555 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 credits)
• EX 556 Communication Interventions and Strategies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 credits)
• EX 557 Behavior Management and Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 credits)
• EX 558 Research Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 credits)
• Course Schedule: The program is offered fully online, allowing for flexibility and convenience.
Students can enroll in courses throughout the year and complete the program at their own pace.
• Modules: The program is divided into individual modules, each of which focuses on a specific topic related to ASD.
Modules include:
• Introduction to ASD
• Assessment of Individuals with ASD
• Educational Interventions for Individuals with ASD
• Family Involvement in the Education of Individuals with ASD
• Transition Planning for Individuals with ASD

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the course and module.
Common assessment methods include:
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Papers
• Projects
• Presentations
• Assessment criteria are aligned with the program's learning objectives and ensure that students demonstrate their understanding of the course material and their ability to apply it to real-world scenarios.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced faculty who are experts in the field of ASD.
Faculty members use a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Role-playing
• Simulations
• The program also incorporates field experiences to provide students with hands-on experience working with individuals with ASD.

Careers:

• The Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the field of education, healthcare, and social services.
Potential career paths include:
• Special education teacher
• Speech-language pathologist
• Occupational therapist
• Physical therapist
• Behavioral therapist
• Case manager
• Social worker
• Advocate for individuals with ASD