Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by impairments in social communication and social interaction and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 44 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (CDC, 2022).
The Graduate Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Certificate Program is an interdisciplinary program between Special Education and Speech Pathology & Audiology. 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 (EBPs); family characteristics; causes and medical intervention; early signs and assessment protocols; social-communicative development and disorders. The ASD Certificate provides participants with an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes didactic and applied learning experiences under the direction of recognized scholars in ASD.
The program was designed for professionals in the fields of education, special education, speech-language pathology, psychology, counseling and other fields who are involved in the education, assessment, and/or treatment of individuals with ASD and their families. The ASD Certificate Program accepts applications on a rolling basis, although a fall semester start is recommended. Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
Coursework Requirements
- SPA 64309 ASD: Theory and Diagnosis
- SPED 53030 Applied Behavior Analysis I
- SPA 54010 Social Communicative Development and Disorders in ASD
- SPED 6/73959 Medical Aspects of Lifespan Development or SPED 6/73030 Pharmacological Interventions in SPED
- SPA 64310 ASD: Lifespan Interventions
- SPED 6/73949 Capstone Course or other approved coursework
Important Forms
Graduate Certificate Application
Please contact Dr. Sloane Burgess for more information.
330-672-0610 (phone)
330-672-2512 (fax)