Autism Certificate Program

The Autism Certificate is 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 preferably in Education. Each of the four courses qualifies for three college credits and Act 48 Credit.

PROGRAM: The course of study for the Autism Certificate consists of four 3-credit graduate courses. The successful completion of each course will follow the same guidelines as all other courses offered through the School of Education graduate programs.

These four courses will be offered as hybrids to combine the benefits of classroom instruction with those of Blackboard technology. The certificate will be awarded to those candidates who successfully complete the following 12 credits of study:

SPE580 Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 credits)
This course examines the characteristics of individuals diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. An introduction to current trends of interventions will be introduced.

SPE581 Assessment/Program Development for the Student on the 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 will be emphasized. The student will be presented with data-based decision-making models which will guide program development.

SPE582 Communication, Behavioral Issues and Social Competence for Students on the
Autism Spectrum (3 credits)
This course will address the broad scope of issues relative to elective communication, behavioral and social competence for students on the autism spectrum. The course will analyze the interrelationship between communication and behavior. Language development, pragmatics, augmentative and alternative communication systems will be presented.

SPE583 Scientifically Researched Based Best Instructional Practices (3 credits)
A decision-making framework based on empirically based interventions that allow for the design of elective instructional systems will be emphasized in this course. Practices and procedures that address the core features of autism allowing for application across diverse instructional settings will be presented. The course will emphasize strategies to enhance collaboration with paraprofessionals as well as the representatives of services received by agencies outside of the school realm.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE: The rotation of the four courses will be ordered at least one time per calendar year. Summer courses may be condensed and/or accelerated by request. Please contact the Autism Institute for start dates.

LOCATION: The Autism Certificate will be offered at all three of Gwynedd-Mercy College’s Center for Lifelong Learning Campuses in Plymouth Meeting, Center City Philadelphia and Bensalem.

CONTACT INFORMATION: For more information about the Autism Certificate, such as start dates, location, or enrollment, please contact: Christine Theodos at theodos.c@gmc.edu or at 877-499-6333 ext. 102.

For information regarding the program, curriculum or other inquiries please contact the Director of the Autism Institute Dr. Deborah Schadler at schadler.d@gmc.edu or at 215-646-7300 ext. 160.