Degrees and Requirements
Advanced Studies in Autism Certificate
PURPOSE: To provide post baccalaureate students, without a PA state certification in Education, the opportunity to develop skills and competencies in working with Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families.
REQUIREMENTS: To successfully complete the Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate Program, the following coursework is required:
- 12 credits of required coursework
Summary of Requirements
Required Courses: 12 credits
EDSP5040
INTRO TO EDUCATION OF PERSONS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This introductory course fulfills part of the requirements for those wishing to obtain an ASD Endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. It is designed to provide students with an overview of characteristics and learning traits, classification systems, assessment strategies/issues, approaches, and interventions related to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Special emphasis is placed on collaboration, adapting instruction and use of evidence based interventions. Specific attention will be devoted to review of the Comprehensive Autism Assessment Planning System and principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Field experiences are embedded in this course.
PREREQUISITES:
Graduate Students Only
EDSP5045
ADVANCED STUDIES IN BEHAVIOR
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course fulfills part of the requirements for those wishing to obtain an ASD Endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This course provides an in-depth review of applied behavior analytic techniques including: conducting behavioral assessments, completing environmental assessments and making adaptations, designing effective behavior change programs, and applying behavioral procedures consonant with ethical standards. Teachers will learn to apply behavior analytic principles toward the improvement of socially significant behaviors in a wide range of settings as well as to evaluate the effects of behavioral procedures. Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), behavior supports, antecedent management, and encouraging positive alternative behaviors and crisis management will be addressed. Evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies will be emphasized. This course will equip teachers to design instruction and supports in order to encourage positive changes in classroom behavior. Field Experiences are embedded in this course.
EDSP5050
COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL SKILLS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: EDSP5040, GRADE OF B OR BETTER This course on communication and social skills instruction fulfills part of the requirements for those wishing to obtain an ASD Endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. It addresses normal language and communication development and the language development of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Teachers will examine the language-behavior connection, how language delays can lead to social incompetence, and how language can be supplemented with augmentative and alternative interventions. Specific research validated instructional strategies focusing on the assessment and development of social and academic language skills are emphasized. This course explores assistive technology as a research supported tool to improve access to and participation in the general education curriculum. In addition, students will integrate assistive technology in lesson planning to meet students' individual needs. Field experiences are embedded in this course.
EDSP5055
ADVANCED TOPICS FOR PERSONS WITH
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: EDSP5045, GRADE OF B OR BETTER This course on advanced issues related to autism fulfills part of the requirements for those wishing to obtain an ASD Endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In addition to completing a field experience upon completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the variety of programming options available to children and families, discuss non-traditional methods and interventions related to past and present etiologies and treatments of autism including efficacy research; complete research on social skills programs for students with an ASD in order to be able to advocate for social skills programming; complete an intervention assessment tool and create specially designed instruction for a student on the spectrum, and additionally reflect on issues that affect both children with the diagnosis and their families. Field experiences are embedded in this course.