Autism Studies
This fully online, part-time Algonquin College Certificate program provides a thorough understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the life span with emphasis on theories, evidence-based practices, and service delivery models across home, school, and community contexts.
- Learn fundamental knowledge in Autism Spectrum Disorder, part-time and fully online from anywhere in Canada
- Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
- Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Work Integrated Learning
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
Students complete a structured research project that examines autism services within a real or potential setting. Through this capstone experience, students evaluate professional roles and interdisciplinary collaboration, analyze inclusion and behaviour support strategies, assess policy and organizational frameworks, and develop evidence-informed, sustainable recommendations aligned with ethical, cultural, and legislative standards.
This program is designed to complement prior education or experience in early childhood education, developmental services, child and youth care, education, or related human services fields. Graduates may pursue employment in settings that support individuals with ASD, including educational environments, community agencies, autism service providers, and residential or recreational programs....(read more)
Overview
This fully online, part-time Algonquin College Certificate program provides a thorough understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the life span with emphasis on theories, evidence-based practices, and service delivery models across home, school, and community contexts. The program develops foundational knowledge of the characteristics and presentations of ASD, including communication differences, social development, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and behavioural support needs. Students critically examine strategies designed to promote participation, skill acquisition, independence, and quality of life for individuals with ASD.
Students complete a structured research project that examines autism services within a real or potential setting. Through this capstone experience, students evaluate professional roles and interdisciplinary collaboration, analyze inclusion and behaviour support strategies, assess policy and organizational frameworks, and develop evidence-informed, sustainable recommendations aligned with ethical, cultural, and legislative standards.
This program is designed to complement prior education or experience in early childhood education, developmental services, child and youth care, education, or related human services fields. Graduates may pursue employment in settings that support individuals with ASD, including educational environments, community agencies, autism service providers, and residential or recreational programs.
Courses
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".
Online  |
| Course Number |
Hours | Course Name | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAM2010 | 25.0 | Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder | |
| FAM2020 | 25.0 | Principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis | |
| FAM2030 | 25.0 | Communication, Social Skills & Understanding | |
| FAM2040 | 25.0 | Sensory Processing, Anxiety and Stress | |
| FAM2050 | 25.0 | Supporting Preschool Children At Home and in Child Care Settings | |
| FAM2060 | 25.0 | Working with Children in the Classroom | |
| FAM2070 | 25.0 | Supporting Youth and Adults in the Community | |
| FAM2090 | 30.0 | Research Project: Autism StudiesResearch Project: Autism Studies Design and complete a research project examining autism support practices within a real or potential service setting, such as a school, childcare program, ABA agency, or community service. Students will apply autism theory to practice while analyzing professional roles, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategies for inclusion, skill development, and behaviour support. It will emphasize evaluation of policies, training models, and service gaps within ethical, cultural, organizational, and legislative frameworks. Students will propose evidence-based, sustainable recommendations to enhance service quality and alignment with best practices. Pre-requisites: FAM2010 and FAM2020 and FAM2030 and FAM2040 and FAM2050 and FAM2060 and FAM2070 There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
Careers & Pathways
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.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify challenges and skill deficits based on an individual's behaviour.
- Modify performance in consideration of individuals with ASD's presenting needs and situation.
- Use strategies and resources to support individuals with ASD.
- Work collaboratively with families, teams, service providers and the broader community to respond to the learning and behavioural needs of individuals with ASD.
- Use sensitivity and flexibility with regards to culture, race, ethnicity, language, religion and socio-economic status when interacting with individuals and families.
- Conduct oneself ethically when interacting with individuals with ASD and their family/team.
Tuition & Fees
2026/2027 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page.
Graduation Fee
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/. A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- It is recommended applicants with international transcripts have the following IELTS or TOEFL scores to ensure success: IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) overall 80, with a minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) overall 4, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4; Listening 4; Speaking 4; Writing 4; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
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".
Additional Information
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.
PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.
AC ONLINE 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.
Contact
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.