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West Chester University of PA
Certificate of Specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders
In 2005, several faculty members of West Chester University of PA met to discuss the need for and probability of offering a certificate in autism studies. Since that first meeting, faculty members from the departments of Early Childhood & Special Education, Communicative Disorders, Psychology, and Kinesiology have collaborated in the development of an interdisciplinary, empirically-based certificate in autism studies. The university is now proud to offer the Certificate of Specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders. This post-baccalaureate certificate program is geared towards community members who currently work with, or will work with, individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The 18-credit certificate provides students with the skill sets necessary to build and work within an interdisciplinary approach to effective and empirically-based treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Students learn strategies for implementing the interdisciplinary approach, as well as methods to assess the effectiveness of the approach, i.e. the effect of education/treatment on the person’s quality of life. The program is be provided from the view point of several disciplines including psychology, special education, communicative disorders, and kinesiology.
The autism certificate program is based on the following assumptions:
1. People with ASD and their families have a wide range of disability-specific strengths and needs
2. Assessment and intervention must be based on evidence-based practices
3. Professionals who specialize in the treatment of individuals with ASD must understand the ASD profile, its history, and the challenges faced by families of individuals with ASD
4. Professional who support individuals with ASD must collaborate with each other
5. Specialization in autism requires course work, guided observation, and supervised clinical practicum
The certificate program takes one full calendar year to complete. The first two courses of the certificate take place during the summer session. Four courses follow, 2 in the fall semester and 2 in the spring semester. The six course certificate includes:
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EDA 520 – Introductory course taught by all 5 disciplines as recommended by National Research Council 2001 Report
EDA 503 – Family Systems – 42 hour field experience with a family living with an individual with autism
PSY 541 – Dedicated to validated assessment and treatment
EDA 530 – Detailing educational settings and interventions
SPP 565 – Detailing communicative interventions and strategies
KIN 587 – Dedicated to adapting physical education needs and recreational programs
Frequently Asked Questions - Certificate of Specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders
West Chester University of PA is currently accepting online applications for the 2009/2010 cohort of the Certificate of Specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Please visit:
Office of Graduate Studies & Extended Education
http://www.wcupa.edu/_ADMISSIONS/SCH_DGR/
For additional information, please contact the graduate school at (610)-436-2943 or gradstudy@wcupa.edu for details.
Autism Certificate Coordinator - Dr. Corinne M. Murphy, cmurphy@wcupa.edu
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