Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders

There is a critical state, regional, and national need for training programs for professionals who teach and provide medical and social services for children with ASD and related disabilities. First, the number of students with the ASD label is growing each year. Second, there is a large research-to-practice gap with respect to applying Best Practices to school programs for children with ASD. These students’ educational programs are often segregated and rely on a strict behavioral control “curriculum,” leading to poorer post-school outcomes than those of other students with disabilities. Third, there is a critical, national shortage of special education teachers and related service providers in low-incidence disability areas such as ASD (U.S. Department of Education, 2000). And finally, there are few personnel preparation programs nationally that focus on ASD.

About the Program

Coursework

The coursework for the Graduate Certificate consists of four courses from the following required and elective course offerings. Highly qualified individuals may petition for permission to waive a required course. Applicants are urged to schedule an appointment with the program coordinators to develop their individualized course of study.  Applications for Graduate Certificates are available through the Graduate School.

Current Required Courses 

EDUC 857A: Contemporary Issues in ASD – 4 credits – fall semester. 

COMM 916: Seminar in ASD – 3 credits – fall semester

Elective Courses (two required from among the following)

     EDUC 952- Assessment, Curriculum, Instruction, and Supports for Students with Disabilities

     Credits: 4.00 

     EDUC 956 - Positive Behavior Supports 

     Credits: 4.00 

     COMM 914- Augmentative and Alternative Communication 

     Credits : 3.00

     OT 822 - Introduction to Assistive Technology
     Credits: 4.00
     This hands on course will provide participants with an overview of the application of assistive technology in all 

     life settings for individuals affected by physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations. Methods, materials, and 

     resources for obtaining and providing assistive technology services will also be discussed. Special fee.

     OT 826 - Assistive Technology and Sensory, Communicative, and Cognitive Disabilities
     Credits: 4.00
     Explores the application of various technologies for individuals with visual, auditory, cognitive and 

     communication impairments. Included are: Blind and low vision aides, assistive listening devices, alternative and 

     augmentative communication devices, memory aides, and prompting aides. Special fee.

     EDUC 854 - Contemporary Issues in Developmental Disabilities
     Credits: 4.00
     The casual factors, physical and psychological characteristics, and educational and therapeutic implications of 

     mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and related conditions. A life span perspective will be

     included, with major emphasis on the school age population.

     EDUC 853 - Contemporary Issues in Behavioral Disabilities
     Credits: 4.00
     Nature and scope of emotional and behavioral disabilities in students from elementary through secondary 

     levels. Theoretical perspectives, characteristics, assessment and educational intervention strategies will be 

     included.

     FS 897- Special Topics/Impact of Autism on the Family 

     Credits: 4.00

     EDUC 855, Social Relationships and Students with Disabilities

     Credits 2.00

     EDUC 857B Contemporary Issues in Autism- Special Topics (combined with the Summer Autism Institute 

     offered through the Institute on Disability)

     Credits 4.00
 

Program Administration

Dr. Vincent Connelly (Education Department) coordinates the Graduate Certificate Program.

Contact Dr. Connelly for admissions and other administrative information, 603-862-0595, or vincent.connelly@unh.edu