Advanced Professional Certificate
Autism Spectrum Disorders

The Lesley University 15-credit Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Certificate Program recognizes a range of educational methodologies and delivery of instruction to support all educators in providing opportunities for students with ASD to access learning effectively. Because no single intervention has been identified as effective for every child with ASD, this educational program explores a range of evidence- and practice-based interventions demonstrated to positively impact the needs of this student population.

The program offers a theoretical foundation as well as practical strategies for the classroom. Students will explore approaches based on the unique learning needs of students with ASD, including communication, behavior, social skills, sensory experiences, and challenges with transition, such as environmental change and changes in daily routines. Students will complete 150 hours of required field observation, 75 of which are completed in conjunction with coursework.

The program, which is suitable for professionals working in educational settings, can also be used as a specialization within a Master’s degree program. Students who complete the certificate may also transfer those credits into an appropriate Master’s degree program. Currently, all courses are offered in an online format. Click here for further information.

*Requires assignment-based field component.

Course Descriptions

ESPED 5013 | Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorders
The focus of this course is on the autism spectrum disorders from diagnosis through adulthood. The condition of autism spectrum disorder reflects a range of diversity and severity, which will be examined in this course. History, current research, and definitions will be explored. Three major characteristics of autism spectrum disorder will be examined: communication impairment, impaired social interactions, and behavioral abnormalities. A variety of educational theories and practices will be introduced, and teaching strategies that meet the needs of these diverse learners will be presented. This course has a required 15 hour field experience component.

ESPED 6015 | Communication Considerations for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
This course will explore the symptomology of autism, specifically in the developmental area of communication. The course will include a general overview of the major educational theories/interventions, with a specific focus on communication interventions, including evidence-based approaches and technology that supports the communication of students with ASD. This course has a required 15 hour field experience component.

ESPED 6016 | Behavioral Support for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
This course will introduce the behavioral features associated with autism spectrum disorders. Participants will explore the major behavior change theories and how they relate to appropriate and ethical classroom practice. Evidence and practice-based models to address behavior will be reviewed, including applied behavior analysis, positive behavior support, discrete trial teaching, sensory interventions, art and music therapy, daily life therapy and strength training interventions. Participants will explore the impact of the environment on behavior. Participants will connect behavioral strategies to appropriate instructional and IEP goals and objectives, as well as design appropriate behavior intervention plans. This course has a required 15 hour field experience component.

ESPED 6017 | Social Functioning and Skill Acquisition for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
This course will review social skills and social competence needs; developing appropriate social skills intervention; informal and formal assessment of social skills; and social peer relationships. Theoretical foundations of cognition and language/communication will be explored. Participants will examine evidence based instructional strategies shown to be effective in promoting the development of social communication and social behavior skills for students with ASD. Participants will review evidence- and practice-based literature relating to social skills and increased success for students with ASD. This course has a required 15 hour field experience component.

ESPED 6010 | Assessment and Educational Planning: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Course examines a variety of assessment tools and strategies for use with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. It explores formal and informal assessment procedures. Emphasis on informal and environmental assessment procedures that translate into appropriate curriculum. Examines the general education curriculum, the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, and helps students plan appropriate alternative strategies. The course will also review aspects of formal assessments, scores and norms, reliability, validity, and multicultural issues in assessment. The course will also explore Whole Life Planning and how it relates to the planning and transitioning of students from school to the adult system of service delivery. This course has a required 15 hour field experience component.

Lesley University reserves the right to unilaterally add, withdraw, or revise any course offering in the above-mentioned program of study, including policies, provisions, requirements, and fees.

Lesley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap or disability in its education programs, employment, or in admissions to, access to or treatment in its programs or activities.