Graduate Certificate in Autism
Lead Faculty:
Dr. KayDee Caywood
This certificate is designed for those interested in finding out more about working with and teaching those that fall within the Autism Spectrum Disorder. The four course sequence is designed to provide the student with an orientation to the terms and the characteristics involved, assessment and behavior management interaction strategies, a variety of teaching strategies, and train necessary skills in collaborating with parents and families of those in the spectrum. It is recommended that students complete EXC 621 first in the sequence.
Credentialed teachers interested in this Added Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders certificate to enhance their knowledge of teaching those in the field, should contact a Credential Program Specialist.
Professionals in other fields such as social work, nursing, and child development can also complete the coursework for professional growth units or a National University certificate.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this certificate, candidates are expected to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the background and orientation of the terms included in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) category.
- Demonstrate an understanding of federal and state laws, legislation, and judicial decisions regarding children with autism.
- Demonstrate competence in recognizing behaviors and utilizing assessments that identify children as having autism.
- Demonstrate competence and understanding in using behavioral analysis to manage and change behaviors of children with autism.
- Demonstrate understanding of differing evidence-based program strategies for teaching students with autism.
- Demonstrate the competence to organize a structured classroom, to collect relevant data on behavioral outcomes, and to implement identified evidence-based strategies for a class that includes students that fall within the spectrum.
- Demonstrate skills needed for working collaboratively within and across systems that serve children and families and with professionals from diverse disciplines.
Requirements
Certificate Requirements (4 courses; 18 quarter units)
EXC 621 - Intro Students w/Autism Spect
EXC 622 - Assess & Behavioral App in Aut
EXC 623 - Intervention/Instr. w/Aut.
EXC 624 - Autism Collab w/Parents & Fam.
These courses can be applied to the Master of Arts in Teaching.
Requirements for the Credential Certification
- Hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with an overall grade point average of 2.5 or better, or where a grade point average of 2.75 or higher as achieved in the last 90 quarter units.
- Possess a valid Education Specialist Mild/Moderate, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, Physical and Health Impairment, or Visual Impairment credential.
- Meet with a Credential Program Specialist within 30 days of enrollment to obtain certification application procedures.
