Graduate Certificate in the Education of Pupils on the Autism Spectrum

Program Overview

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Online Application Form open until 5pm Friday the 24th of March 2023. Please see 0012/2023 DE Circular for eligibility requirements and application details. This programme is for Primary, Post-Primary and Special School teachers who currently hold a post funded by the Department of Education and who will be working with students on the Autism Spectrum for the duration of the Programme in recognised Primary, Post-Primary and Special Schools. The programme is designed specifically to assist teachers in meeting the learning and teaching needs of students on the spectrum.  Potential applicants must therefore have a teaching role in relation to students on the Autism Spectrum. Funding is provided by the DE and no fee or registration charges will apply for successful applicants. Teachers will continue to receive their salary in the usual way and substitution will be covered. Graduates of this Certificate may be eligible to progress onto the self-funded MEd in Autism.

Program Outline

The aim of this programme is to develop the knowledge skills and expertise of teachers, thus enhancing the provision of appropriate education for children and young people on the autism spectrum.

Understanding Autism:

aims to provide a foundation in the history, concept and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder, causes and prevalence will also be considered. Students will explore the diversity across the spectrum and reflect in an informed manner on the implications of autism in an educational context.

Autism: Assessment, Profiling and Planning:

addresses the principles underpinning inclusive assessment and focusses on the development of a holistic profile of the student’s strengths, interests and needs, leading to the development of learning programmes and individualised planning.

Autism: Planning,Teaching and Learning 1 & 2

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focuses on the application of skills and knowledge presented across the programme to teaching and learning contexts.

Wellbeing Across the Continuum:

Addresses current and evolving issues in relation to the education of pupils on the Autism Spectrum including life span perspective, wellbeing of such students and proactive strategies to support them.

Provisional Calendar

The programme will include three weeks block release from your school/centre during the year. Below are the indicative times of year when these weeks occur. Dates will be communicated upon offer of a place on the course.

Week 1: September: Dates TBC

Week 2: November: Dates TBC

Week 3: February: Dates TBC

Lectures take place Monday to Friday during these weeks from 9am - 4pm.

In addition there are seven evening online sessions which occur on Tuesday evenings throughout the year ( 6-7.15). Further details will be made available upon starting the course.