This fully online, part-time Algonquin College Certificate program provides a thorough understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the life span and an overview of current support and intervention strategies used with this population in home, school, and community settings. The program covers fundamental support strategies for increasing learning and independence while minimizing behavioural challenges. Students explore the defining characteristics and presentations of ASD, as well as communication challenges, social skill difficulties, sensory processing differences and anxiety challenges that are often faced by individuals with this diagnosis. Through elective courses, students learn strategies for supporting young children in childcare settings, the role of the Educational Assistant (EA) in the classroom and/or common supports and programs available for youth and adults in the community. Students also receive authentic industry experience through participation in a placement within the field.

Supplemented with additional knowledge and/or experience in early childhood education, developmental services, child and youth care or social services. Graduates from this program may choose to seek employment in a variety of settings that support individuals with ASD, including childcare centres, autism programs, schools, community groups/activities and group home settings.

To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within two years.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are curious about autism and how individuals with ASD think and learn.
• Are interested in supporting individuals with ASD in the community.
• Are non-judgmental, mature, empathetic, and accepting of differences.
• Have strong communication skills.
• Have good observational and problem-solving skills.
• Have patience, can handle stress, and remain calm in difficult situations.

Careers

Graduates from this program may choose to seek employment as a respite worker, special needs worker, a residential support worker or related employment opportunities. As well, supplemented with additional knowledge, qualifications and/or experience in early childhood education, developmental services, child and youth care or social services, graduates may also find employment as an educational assistant, developmental service worker and child youth worker.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

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

1. Identify challenges and skill deficits based on an individual`s behaviour.
2. Modify performance in consideration of individuals with ASD`s presenting needs and situation.
3. Use strategies and resources to support individuals with ASD.
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. Use sensitivity and flexibility with regards to culture, race, ethnicity, language, religion and socio-economic status when interacting with individuals and families.
6. Conduct oneself ethically when interacting with individuals with ASD and their family/team.

Application Information

Registration Note:

If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".

Program Resources

International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for international fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.

The Autism Studies program consists of four mandatory courses, one elective course and a placement.

PRE-PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Submit proof of valid Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVC).
• Complete the Algonquin College Health Assessment form and/or immunization form. This document is typically valid for one year (12 months).

To ensure that an appropriate placement opportunity can be arranged, all students are required to begin preparing for placement four months in advance. Please contact the Online Field Placement Officer four months before you plan to complete a placement. The Online Field Placement Officer will provide you with information about how to complete the pre-placement requirements and will request additional information about your placement preferences to organize an appropriate placement for you.

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING (WIL):
The final requirement of the Autism Studies certificate program is a 100-hour Autism Spectrum Disorder Practicum course. This course is designed to provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that you have learned throughout the prerequisite courses.

As a field placement student, you will be responsible for completing 100 experience hours on-site at your assigned field placement agency. Field placement hours can be completed all at once or in varying time periods throughout the term. All placement hours must be completed by the final day of the term.

This field placement experience is designed to provide you with an opportunity to observe and gain experiential learning on the concepts that you have learned so far 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 the 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.

ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under `Part-time Students` on the left-hand toolbar.

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). To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within two years.

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.