Program Overview

Professional Certificate in Special Needs Interventions

The Professional Certificate in Special Needs Interventions is designed to equip learners with the competencies necessary to understand and manage the needs of clients with neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan. The program focuses on intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Overview

The program aims to provide learners with the following competencies:

• Understanding the needs of clients with neurodevelopmental conditions
• Applying behavioural and systemic interventions
• Understanding common mental health issues in the special needs population
• Adapting mental health interventions for special needs populations
• Understanding and managing behaviours of risk and forensic implications
• Consulting and collaborating with colleagues from other disciplines

Mode of Delivery and Assessment

• Mode of Delivery: Face-to-face workshops with didactic teaching, reflective practice group discussions, and a problem-based learning project. Virtual seminars will be held if COVID-19 restrictions prevent face-to-face sessions.
• Assessment: Learners will be assessed through group presentations, reflection assignments, and/or in-class quizzes.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the program are:

• A psychology degree with honours (psychology degree without honours and other qualifications are accepted on a case-by-case basis)
• A personal statement (no more than one page)
• One research/clinical reference
• Some experience working with special needs clients in a paid or voluntary capacity, or personal experience living or caring for someone with special needs
• Priority is given to applicants currently working as associate psychologists, behavioural specialists, and autism therapists who are 1-2 years into their present entry-level jobs and require continuous professional development.

Application

• Professional Certificate: Comprises two unique workshops. Learners will be awarded a professional certificate when they complete both workshops and apply to the NUS Department of Psychology for the professional certificate.
• Course Application: Closes 2 weeks prior to course commencement.
• Candidature Period: The maximum period for learners to complete both workshops to be awarded the professional certificate is 24 months.

Course Fees

• Professional Certificate in Special Needs Interventions:
  • Singapore Citizens (39 years old or younger): TBC
  • Singapore Citizens (40 years or older eligible for MCES): TBC
  • Singapore PRs: TBC
  • Enhanced Training Support for SMEs: TBC
  • International Participants: $6,474.60
• Funding Schemes: Learners may be eligible for funding schemes such as SkillsFuture Credit.

Course Structure and Details

The Professional Certificate in Special Needs Interventions consists of two workshops: Workshop I: Behavioural & Systemic Interventions in Special Needs, and Workshop II: Mental Health Management in Special Needs.

Workshop I: Behavioural & Systemic Interventions in Special Needs

• Course Synopsis: This course adopts a developmental approach to understanding special needs and neurodevelopmental disorders from childhood to adulthood.
• Learning Outcomes: At the end of this workshop, participants are expected to achieve the following competencies:
  • Understand diagnostic criteria and identify symptoms of ID, ASD, and ADHD
  • Understand risk factors, comorbidities, and developmental course of neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Consider client, family, and organisational factors in formulation and treatment planning
  • Understand intervention and behavioural change theories and frameworks
  • Develop care plans that appropriately consider client/family goals, formulation, and strategies
• Dates and Time: TBC in 2025, 9 am to 5 pm
• Training Venue: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, NUS
• About The Trainer: Dr Lily Lau, Senior Principal Educational Psychologist

Workshop II: Mental Health Management in Special Needs

• Course Synopsis: This course focuses on understanding and managing mental health problems among persons with special needs.
• Learning Outcomes: At the end of this workshop, participants are expected to achieve the following competencies:
  • Understand and screen for common mental health problems among persons with special needs
  • Understand and identify caregiver needs and symptoms of caregiver stress and burnout
  • Understand and conceptualise the biopsychosocial developmental factors that contribute to mental health problems
  • Develop treatment strategies that consider the biopsychosocial and neurodevelopmental aspects of the client
• Dates and Time: TBC in 2025, 9 am to 5 pm
• Venue: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, NUS
• About The Trainer: Ms Lim Jan Mei, Principal Clinical Psychologist

Department of Psychology

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Block AS4, Level 2, 9 Arts Link, Singapore