Non-Degree and Non-Credit Programs

Certificate in Autism Studies

The College of Education and Human Development offers the Certificate in Autism Studies. The College’s Department of Special Education created the Certificate to address the training needs of school divisions and human service agencies that support students and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

There is a need for accurate and up-to-date information regarding children with ASD, and the demand for better understanding among teachers and others who work with children must be met. The Certificate in Autism Studies is designed to fill this need and provide an understanding of the medical and social aspects of the disorder.

Students must complete nine semester hours of coursework to earn the Certificate. Students are accepted into a certificate cohort and enroll in one course per semester - fall, spring, and summer. Students must also attend a one-day mandatory summer orientation prior to the beginning of the program.

Description of Course Sequence:
The curriculum in this three course series (3 credit hours each for a total of 9 semester hours) is based on empirical research and best practices. It is designed to prepare personnel to educate and support individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which includes autism, Asperger syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders. There is no Virginia licensure in the area of ASD, however, if these three courses are completed at the 500-level a Post Baccalaureate Certificate of Autism Studies will be conferred on the participant's Radford University transcript.  If completed at the undergraduate level the three courses will appear on the university transcript.

Who will be interested?
- Special educators
- General educators
- Paraprofessionals
- Therapists who work with schools
- Administrators
- Human service personnel

Courses:
EDSP 400/500:  An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders (fall - This course is a prerequisite to the other two courses!)
EDSP 401/501: Approaches for Supporting and Teaching Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (spring - prerequisite EDSP 400 or 500)
EDSP 402/502: Expanding Social Competence for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (summer - prerequisite EDSP 400 or 500)

Certificate Contact:
Leslie Daniel, Assistant Professor, Special Education
School of Teacher Education and Leadership
College of Education and Human Development
Phone: 540-831-6428
E-mail: ldaniel10@radford.edu