Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate Program

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by impairments in social communication and social interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018), approximately one in 59 children are diagnosed with ASD.

Description

The Graduate ASD Certificate Program is an interdisciplinary program between Special Education and Speech Pathology & Audiology in the College of Education, Health and Human Services (EHHS). The program was designed for professionals in the fields of Special Education, Speech-Language Pathology, Psychology, Counseling, and other Health and Human Services Fields who are involved in the education, assessment, and/or treatment of individuals with ASD and their families.

The ASD Certificate coursework prepares participants for understanding and addressing the needs of individuals with ASD across the spectrum and across the lifespan, in varied contexts including general and special education classrooms and community settings. Individuals participating in the ASD Certificate will gain knowledge and skills related to:

Diagnostic and learning style characteristics
Theoretical models for understanding ASD and implications of those models for intervention
Evidence-based intervention practices
Family characteristics and experiences
Causes and medical intervention
Early signs and assessment protocols
Social communicative development and disorders of ASD

Admissions

The ASD Certificate Program accepts applications on a rolling basis (all semesters), although a fall semester start is recommended. Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Applicants will submit all required materials (goal statement, 2 letters of reference, official transcripts) using the online application system.

Coursework Requirements

The ASD Certificate Program includes the following 6 courses:

SPA/SPED 64309 ASD: Theory and Diagnosis (should be completed first in the sequence)
SPED 53030 Applied Behavior Analysis I
SPED 6/73959 Medical Aspects of Lifespan Development
SPA 64310 ASD: Lifespan Interventions
SPA 54010 Social Communicative Development and Disorders in ASD
SPED 6/73949 ASD Capstone or other approved coursework