Autism Spectrum Disorders

Graduate Certificate
Department of Special Education and Disability Studies

Mission and Program Outcomes

The certificate program, Autism Spectrum Disorders, offers a unique certificate experience that focuses on a multi-intervention approach to instructing children with different levels of disorders.  These interventions include: direct one-to-one instruction, data driven positive behavioral supports, a total communication approach to language development, highly structured environmental engineering with strong visual supports, sensory strategies, and facilitation of play and leisure.

Graduates of this program will be able to more effectively address the following issues in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: (1) academic achievement and study skills commensurate with their cognitive strength; this will provide the widest range of options of college and career choices, (2) social skills for navigating all of the environments in which they live, work, and play, and (3) problem-solving strategies that enable them to respond flexibly and successfully to challenging situations.

Program Faculty

Dr. Jay Shotel

Dr. Michael Castleberry

Dr. Laurie Alderman

Program Details

Program Locations
Off-Campus

15 Credit Hours, 5 Courses

Sample coursework:

• Affective Development and Behavior Management in Special Education
• Family Support and Guidance in Special Education
• Practicum: Materials and Methods for Young Children with Disabilities

Admissions Deadline:
Fall: January 15 (priority deadline to be considered for tuition support) or April 1 (final deadline)
Summer: March 1
Spring: October 1

Semesters for Entry:
Fall, Spring, or Summer

For more information, please contact:

Andre Wright, Assistant Director of Admissions
Phone: 202-994-1450
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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