Autism Certificate Program?

Question

Anyone have any information on an autism certificate program? I am considering applying for it or a Masters of Education in Special Education. I don't want to be a teacher, but maybe work with children via counseling, etc. Any knowledge about either of the programs? Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm not sure where you're located or what your undergrad is, so I don't know how much help this will be.  

If you want to work as a counsellor for autistic children and/or their families, you will probably need a graduate degree in psychology. An MSC (master's of social work) can qualify you to help families through the tortuous process of finding programs, therapists and funding, and helping them adjust.  Our social worker co ordinates our son's many programs and therapists, keeps everyone on track and offers support and help in filling out forms and applying for grants, tax breaks and other funding.  

My mother has a Masters of Spec Ed, and she worked for years as a vice principal of a public school where she also ran the testing program for children considered to be at risk for learning disabilities, as well as designing programs for the LD kids and acting as a liaison between teachers and families.

Most autism certification programs now are aimed at qualifying people to work directly with autistic children as Instructor Therapists and Senior Therapists in IBI (intensive behavioural intervention) programs.  These programs involve focussed one on one therapy aimed at helping autistic children catch up to their peers.  There is a growing demand for qualified therapists (as I can attest to) to work with children in centers and in home based programs.  

A certificate may help you get a job as an administrator or co ordinator at a treatment center if you don't want to teach, but being a therapist can be very rewarding.

Most certificate programs have a psychology or ECE degree as a prerequisite - Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario and Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario both offer such programs.  Look them up on line to get a better idea of what they entail.  It's definitely a growing field.

One word of warning - make sure you meet and interact with some autistic children before you commit to such a program.  It's incredibly challenging and the rewards can be huge, but it's not a good career if you crave instant gratification.  Having a child say "buh" to the floor after you've been saying "buh, buh, buh" for an hour day after day for weeks can be a red letter day - the day my three year old son Piers tapped his chest and said "Puh" we threw a party (we really did!).

That being said he's flying though his program now thanks to some truly dedicated therapists - these folks are the salt of the earth.

Answer 2

Eastern Michigan University has a specialized program beginning in the fall.

Answer 3

Here's the other careers that come to mind.  You didn't leave any information regarding your geographical location or bachelor's degree, so may seem a little random.  

Community based instruction/ supervisor, etc Often contracted out from the states Dept. of Social Services

Dept of Social Services has case managers or, again, may contract out for the service.

Advocate - contact local groups

Law school - educational / civil liberties law practice

Adult education  including prison education  - 70% of prisoners have been diagnosed with special needs (most often LDs)

Job Coach

Child Advocate through the court system

Occupational, Physical, Speech, Recreation, Rehabilitation Therapists

School Psychologist

Educational Diagnostician

Assistive Technology

Family Therapists (work in the public sector and lot of these kids are in special education)

Community Counseling

Neurologists and their support staff may see a lot of patients with autism.

Look at organizations like Special Olympics, etc