Autism and Behavioural Sciences (graduate certificate)

Program Overview

The Autism and Behavioural Sciences graduate certificate program equips students with expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating behavioural intervention plans for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through supervised field placements, students gain practical experience in assessment, intervention planning, and evaluation, preparing them for careers in various settings, including schools, early intervention programs, and community agencies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Autism and Behavioural Sciences graduate certificate program equips students with expertise in the collaborative design, implementation, and evaluation of effective behavioural intervention plans based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. Focused on children, older youth, and adults in various settings, the program enables students to support individuals, families, and caregivers by using evidence-based interventions.

Objectives:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Assess life skills, language skills, and challenging behavior under appropriate supervision using a variety of assessment tools.
• Implement behavioural intervention and transition plans collaboratively, based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
• Evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural intervention plans using a range of data collection and summary methods.
• Work collaboratively with families, teams, service providers, and the broader community to respond to the learning and behavioural needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Comply with established ethical principles and professional guidelines.
• Provide leadership in the promotion and provision of evidence-based intervention services to meet the needs of individuals with Autism and Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their communities.
• Develop evidence-based interventions by evaluating empirical data to inform practice.

Program Description:

The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through two supervised field placements. Students develop expertise in assessment, intervention planning, implementation, and evaluation, enabling them to work effectively with individuals with ASD and their families.

Outline:

Semester 1:

• Field Placement 1 (ATBS 1600)
• Specialized Instruction Strategies (EDUC 1600)
• Ethics and Professionalism (ETHC 1600)
• Applied Behaviour Analysis (PSYC 1600)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (PSYC 1601)
• Working With Family and Teams (PSYC 1602)

Semester 2:

• Field Placement 2 (ATBS 2600)
• Parent and Staff Training (EDUC 2600)
• Behavioural Skill Building (PSYC 2600)
• Treating Challenging Behaviours (PSYC 2601)

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group discussions
• Case studies
• Role-playing
• Supervised field placements

Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in autism and behavioural sciences, including:

• Professors
• Instructors
• Field supervisors

Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on evidence-based practices
• Focus on practical application through field placements
• Collaboration with community partners

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the Autism and Behavioural Sciences graduate certificate program are prepared for careers in various settings, including:

• Elementary or secondary school boards
• Early intervention programs
• Clinical programs
• Community agencies
• Private family setting
• Public or private-sector agencies

Career Opportunities:

• Instructor therapist
• Behavioural technician