The Autism Certificate will be offered through Gwynedd-Mercy College’s Autism Institute of the School of Education.

CANDIDATES: Candidates for the Autism Certificate will hold a bachelor’s degree in education. It is recommended that the candidate also hold a teaching certification. 

DELIVERY SCHEDULE: The rotation of 4 courses would begin with Summer Sessions I and II (one or two courses each session, depending on enrollment), continue with the Fall semester for the third course, culminating with the final course in the Spring semester. These courses are on the main campus only.

TUITION: Graduate tuition charges would apply for each 3 credit course.

PROGRAM: The course of study consists of four 3 credit courses. The successful completion of each course will follow the same guidelines as all other courses offered through the School of Education graduate programs. The certificate would be awarded to those candidates who successfully complete the following 12 credits of study:

Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 credits)
This course examines the characteristics of individuals diagnosed on the autism spectrum including: autism, Asperger’s syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), Rett’s syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. An introduction to current trends of interventions is also introduced.

Assessment and Program Development for the Student on the Autism Spectrum (3 credits)

This course focuses on the design and implementation of assessment and program protocols for learners on the autism spectrum. The connection between on-going assessment and its role in individualized program development is emphasized. Students are presented with data-based decision-making models which guide program development. 

Scientifically Researched Based Best Instructional Practices for the Student on the Spectrum (3 credits)

A decision-making framework derived from empirically-based interventions that allow for the design of effective instructional systems is emphasized in this course. Practices and procedures that address the core features of autism allowing for application across diverse instructional settings is presented. Basic principles in reinforcement, stimulus control, prompting, generalization and maintenance is included. The course emphasizes strategies to enhance collaboration with paraprofessionals, as well as the representatives of services received by agencies outside of the school realm. 

Communication, Behavioral Issues and Social Competence for Students on the Autism Spectrum (3 credits)

This course addresses the broad scope of issues relative to effective communication, behavioral and social competence for students on the autism spectrum. The course analyzes the interrelationship between communication and behavior. Language development, pragmatics, augmentative and alternative communication systems is presented.