Specialize with a rewarding career cultivating the skillsets of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The one-year Autism and Behavioural Sciences Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with a firm grounding in the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), specifically in the application of these principles to Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA is a research-based and data-driven science that measures the relationship between environment, behaviour and consequences. It is used to change behaviours that are socially significant.

Learn the characteristics of individuals with ASD, evidence-based practices in ABA, the professional code of ethics and the development and implementation of behavioural treatment plans. Gain practical experience working with clients and ABA treatment teams through two field placements, totalling 350 hours.

Graduates of the program work predominantly with children. Career opportunities may include:

• --ASD programs/treatment teams
• school boards
• community agencies
• family settings

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are caring and like to work with children and families.
• Are detail-oriented and enjoy evaluating and implementing evidence-based interventions.
• Are comfortable working with multidisciplinary, professional teams.
• Have strong observational and analytical skills.
• Are self-motivated and enjoy challenges.
• Have experience working with computers.
• Have experience finding, reading and using peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Are proficient in English.

Careers

Graduates may pursue career opportunities working as a part of a multi-disciplinary ASD treatment team. Graduates may find employment in a school setting, a community agency, a private family setting, or with the public-sector or private-sector agency that offers Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) based services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Graduates are able to implement effective behavioural intervention plans under appropriate supervision.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:

1. Assess and analyze the characteristics, skills, and behaviour of individuals with ASD to effectively implement evidence-based behavioural interventions.
2. Design and implement effective behavioural intervention plans under appropriate supervision and based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural intervention plans based on the principles of ABA.
4. Work collaboratively with families, teams, service providers and the broader community to respond to the learning and behavioural needs of individuals with ASD.
5. Design, implement and evaluate as part of a team, in consultation with stakeholders, ABA-based transition plans for individuals with ASD.
6. Comply with established ethical principles and professional guidelines.
7. Advocate and lead in the promotion and provision of services to meet the needs of individuals with ASD and their families.
8. Evaluate empirical evidence to select appropriate interventions for individuals with ASD.
9. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

AUTISM AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE
Program Code 3017X09FAO

Applications for this program must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements via:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

For further information on the admissions process, please contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K2G 1V8
Phone: 613-727-0002 or 1-800-565-4732
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Program Resources

All students are required to complete an online ABS orientation session at the beginning of the program and an online field placement orientation session prior to completing each Field Placement course.

Students are required to complete two field placements during their studies. Field placements are to be completed with agencies that offer ABA and/or IBI services to children with ASD. Field Placement I requires students to complete 140 placement hours within four weeks and Field Placement II requires students to complete 210 placement hours within six weeks. Field placements are typically completed on a full-time schedule during the agency business hours. Field placements are arranged by the Online Field Placement Officer with the emphasis on having students experience different ABA programs during their study.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Overview:
There are two block placements required for the ABS online program. They are offered in Levels 02 and 03 of the program and require a commitment of 4 and 6 weeks on predetermined schedules. All placements, even if you are studying part-time, require full-time working hours Monday to Friday following the same daily schedule as the onsite supervisor.

This field placement experience is designed to provide you with an opportunity to observe and gain experiential learning related to the concepts that you have learned in the program.

Placement Eligibility:
In order to be eligible for field placements, students must meet the following requirements prior to the placement deadline:

1. Academic Clearance: Students must complete all required prerequisite courses prior to the placement start date.
2. Placement Request Form: Students are required to submit a placement request form prior to each placement deadline.
3. ParaMed Clearance: Students are required to meet the following medical and non-medical requirements. Upon completion, these requirements must be confirmed through ParaMed, our partner organization: a. Immunization Records; b. Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS);

Additional Resources:
Further placement information for online students can be found on the Online Field Placement Centre: https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/field-placement.

Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio. Students may only PLAR Field Placement I.

Program Progression:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.