Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate

Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate
08.08.2025
15
08.25.2025
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

APPLICATION FEE WAIVED

Apply now and save the application fee. Start your journey today!

UC Online’s Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Graduate Certificate offers a program open to individuals with a bachelor’s degree in an education-related field. Though this certificate compliments UC Online’s Master of Education in Special Education, a special education background is not required. In fact, the program is designed for not only professionals (special education teachers, general education teachers, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, paraeducators/class support staff) but also family members of individuals with ASD.

Why study Autism Spectrum Disorders?

The Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate program supports students in:

  • Understanding the characteristics of ASD.
  • Locating and linking evidence-based instructional practices (e.g., structured learning environments, visual supports, systematic instruction) to the characteristics of ASD.
  • Implementing interventions for individuals with ASD.

At the end of the program, students will be able to:

  • Describe the components of a well-structured learning environment for individuals with ASD.
  • Locate and evaluate research related to ASD.
  • Describe the characteristics of ASD and link these to evidence-based interventions (including assessments) for individuals with ASD.
  • Implement evidence-based interventions with individuals with ASD.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), people with ASD have:

  • Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people.
  • Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.
  • Symptoms that impact the person’s ability to function in work and life.