Curriculum Details
With the online Graduate Certificate in Autism, Arcadia University helps you learn teaching methods and behavior analysis principles for educating learners diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. You will learn from faculty with extensive experience in this field, receiving personal guidance that propels your success in your classes and career. The program includes four online courses — join us part-time to earn the certificate in 18 months.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approved this graduate certificate as an Autism Endorsement. You can also seek approval for adding this certificate to existing teaching certifications. Additionally, students located in Pennsylvania will meet 20 service hours to complete this certificate program; this requirement does not apply to students in other states.
Courses
ED 660 Character Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders – 3 credits
This seminar provides students with introductory knowledge regarding children diagnosed with autism. Topics addressed include characteristics of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders; considerations in school and home programming; family, community and legal issues; and life transitions.
IMPORTANT: This course requires fieldwork. Students must have current required clearances on file with the School of Education.
ED 661A Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis – 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with an introductory understanding of the history of ABA, principles of behavior analysis, including reinforcement, extinction and punishment, direct observation, generalization, and maintenance of skills. Such information will prepare participants to understand scientific and applied literature that addresses research-based teaching procedures. Students will acquire tools to evaluate information that will impact their professional work with children and youth. In addition to the basic theoretical principles, participants will also learn how to apply them in their daily work with children, and how to utilize and analyze data-based protocols. This class will reflect on ethical issues when using such principles. The course will focus on theory as well as practice, and challenge you through real-world problem-based scenarios. Please try to make connections between what is taking place in your professional work and the content being discussed. If you are not currently teaching or working in a related field, I would like you to address issues as if you were actually teaching in a classroom or working with an individual.
Course is Exempt from School of Education Background/clearances check policy.
ED 662 Teaching Methods for Students with Autism – 3 credits
This seminar provides students with knowledge of current research-based teaching strategies for students in the autism spectrum. Participants gain experience in assessing and planning meaningful learning goals, developing effective teaching plans and evaluating student outcomes. Topics addressed include teaching complex behaviors, analyzing challenging behaviors and collaborating with families.
IMPORTANT: Students must have current background checks documents on file with the School of Education.
ED 663 Special Topics in Autism – 3 credits
This seminar provides students with knowledge of relevant language, social, community and sensory characteristics of students in the autism spectrum. Participants examine assessment tools and intervention strategies to support students with autism. Other topics covered include family, sibling and emotional issues in relation to cultural context, as well as transition issues and “next environment” planning.
IMPORTANT: Students must have current background checks documents on file with the School of Education.
