autism spectrum disorders students at table

Autism Spectrum Disorders (Certificate)

Develop a deeper understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders so you can support the strengths and challenges of individuals with ASD.

Prepare to serve people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This 100% online graduate certificate program will prepare you to work in home-based settings; schools, hospitals, state and private institutions; or other human service agencies. You'll learn the latest methods, research and training associated with ASD.

Program Snapshot
Program type:
Certificate - Graduate
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
1 year
Credit hours:
12

Why Earn a Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate Online at UND?

This part-time, flexible online Autism Spectrum Disorders graduate certificate is designed for parents, practitioners or professionals who work with individuals with ASD. It provides you with the skills and tools you need to effectively address the many and varied challenges they face.

UND's online autism program will allow you to:

  • Learn research supported methods for working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Pervasive Developmental Disorders and their caregivers/families.
  • Receive specialized training and resources designed for professionals, parents and other caregivers.
  • Review the latest research on providing quality, lifelong services.
  • Gain access to a support network for families, practitioners and professionals who work with individuals that have ASD or PDD in rural settings.

Accreditation by CAEP

The online certificate is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Autism Spectrum Disorder Overview

  • Designed for parents, practitioners, or professionals who work with individuals with ASD.

  • View recorded lectures, access course materials, submit assignments and take tests at the time of day and place of your choice.

  • Get help from responsive faculty, one-on-one advising and customized program of study.

  • Learn from highly qualified instructors with more than 60 years of combined experience in working with children who have special needs and their families.

Careers Helping Those with Autism

68 
1 in 68 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder.*
58K
Median annual salary for special education teachers.**

*CDC
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of this online program are ready to serve individuals with ASD in a variety of settings including at home or in schools, hospitals, state and private institutions, or other human service agencies. You'll gain understanding in:

  • History, characteristics and theories associated with the spectrum.
  • Programs and methods that are most commonly applied in practice with persons with ASD or are most frequently discussed in professional literature.
  • Chronic stressors experienced by caregivers and family members of persons with ASD.
  • Career/vocational options as related to the transition from high school through adult life.
  • Legal issues related to the provision of lifelong supports for persons with ASD.
  • Role and future of medicine and interventions for persons with ASD, including issues related to conducting wellness examinations, medication treatments available and treatments currently being studied.

When You Earn a Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders

An Autism Spectrum Disorders certificate gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Autism (Therapies)
  • Curriculum Development
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Psychotherapy

UND Autism Spectrum Disorders Alumni

Autism Spectrum Disorders alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Fargo Public Schools
  • Abbott & Burckhart Therapy
  • Acute, LLC
  • American Airlines Group, Inc.
  • Anne Carlsen Center
  • Appleton Area School District

Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate Courses

SPED 561. Methods for Autism Spectrum Disorder. 3 Credits.

This is a required course in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Its central purpose is to address commonly implemented intervention strategies, particularly those considered to be evidence based or research supported in the field of ASD. This course examines the current literature base supporting various interventions and strategies with a focus on matching the needs and strengths of individuals with ASD to the most appropriate intervention method based on data driven practice and research support for a particular intervention. Prerequisite or corequisite: SPED 560. F,S,SS.

SPED 567. ASD Assessment. 3 Credits.

This course is a required course in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). This course will address the entire process of program planning for students with ASD including screening, evaluative assessment, ongoing assessment, using assessment to guide intervention planning, and monitoring progress. Students will explore a variety of methods and tools commonly used with individuals with ASD; specifically standardized assessments, checklists, rating scales, structured observation tools, and curricular based assessments. Its central focus is on assessing the ongoing needs and strengths of individuals with ASD in order to plan successful interventions in further differentiating instruction. Prerequisite: SPED 560. Corequisite: SPED 561. F,S,SS.

SPED 562. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Supports Across the Lifespan. 3 Credits.

This course is in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Issues related to parental reactions to diagnosis, stressors at home and school, strategies for empowering families, transitional situations for individuals with ASD, transitions to jobs and college, and legal issues will be explored. The central purpose of the course is threefold: a) to provide current information related to the chronic stressors experienced by caregivers for and family members of persons with ASD, b) to provide current information regarding career/vocational options related to transition from high school through adult life, e.g., young adults, middle-aged adults, older adults, and c) to provide current information regarding legal issues related to the provision of lifelong supports for persons with ASD. Prerequisite: Completed degree from a related field of study. Prerequisites or corequisites: SPED 560 and SPED 561. F,S.

SPED 564. Structured Teaching. 3 Credits.

This is an elective course in the sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Its central purpose is to encourage parents and caregivers of individuals with ASD to engage in reflective thinking about and critical analysis of this educational approach for these persons. Prerequisites or corequisites: SPED 560 and SPED 561. F.

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