Graduate Certificate in Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorders

Educators specializing in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) develop an understanding of the way that ASD effects an individual's thinking and perceiving, sensory processing, communication skills, social skills, motor skills, vocational skills, academic skills and organizational skills. These experts can provide a personalized educational plan for the student with ASD to help them communicate and relate with the outside world. ASD educators need an appreciation of the theoretical and practical knowledge in the field. They also need to understand how ASD, the second most common developmental disability, affects the lives of children and their family members.

This graduate certificate is designed for individuals who want to understand and support the growth, development and learning of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of ASD studying the best practices and methodologies for teaching students with ASD.

The St. Thomas Difference

Courses in the program are conveniently scheduled late afternoons or evenings, summer days and summer evenings. Certificate programs may be offered as cohorts in an off campus location upon request.

Through the program, you will:

• Explore the history and current thinking on ASD.
  
• Understand the impact of ASD
• Learn identification and evaluation methods for educational settings.
  
• Study processes for establishing priorities for educational needs and Individual Educational Program (IEP) goals and objectives.
• Learn support strategies.