Autism (Post Bachelor Professional Certificate)

The professional certificate in autism is a postgraduate program that qualifies students to serve individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder through the professional tools of the principles, concepts and practices required by government or private agencies to serve individuals with the condition. It seeks to meet the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in school settings and social environments, where mastery of pedagogical skills, teamwork, and use of technology is essential to enable graduates to cope with the diversity of the population to be served.

The Metropolitan Campus is authorized to offer this program.

Competencies Profile of Graduates

This Professional Certification in Autism is designed to develop the competencies that allow the student to:

Knowledge

1. Know the procedures and assessment tools to identify the strengths, needs, interests, learning styles and early signs to diagnose autism and intervene with the family.
2. Examine the biological, neurological, psychosocial, and developmental basis for the diagnosis of individuals with autism.
3. Evaluate the appropriate and recommended evidence based practices to provide services and family support to individuals with autism.

Skills

1. Critically identify the formal and informal instruments used in the evaluation of children and adults with autism.
2. Apply clinical and educational intervention plans to serve individuals with autism and to provide support to families.
3. To evaluate the skills and strategies of clinical and educational intervention in work scenarios of individuals with autism and the integration of the family context.

Attitudes

1. Act ethically when exercising the roles of professional practice in the management and intervention of individuals with autism and their families.
2. Value the cultural, social and developmental differences of people with autism and their families.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the professional certificate program in autism, all candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree in the areas of health, behavior, or education of an accredited university.
2. Submit a Negative Criminal Record Certificate issued by the Puerto Rico Police Department (original).

Academic Progress Requirements

1. Comply with all academic progress norms established in the Graduate Catalog.
2. Pass all courses with a minimum B grade.

Graduation Requirements

Students must pass all courses with a minimum 3.00 grade point average.

Requirements for the Professional Certificate in Autism

Requirements of the Professional Certificate - 18 credits

ATSD 5010	Psychosocial Aspects and Transition Processes in Individuals with Autism	3
ATSD 5020	Nature and Needs of Individuals with Autism and their Families	3
ATSD 6010	Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Intervention of Autism Spectrum Disorder	3
ATSD 6020	Clinical and Educational Intervention Methods for Individuals with Autism and their Families	3
ATSD 6030	Behavior Management and Other Challenges Associated with Autism	3
ATSD 6040	Supervised Consultancy in Autism	3