Fleming College

Certificate Highlights

This certificate focuses on evidence-based practices related to children and adults within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Gain expertise across various contexts, including therapeutic, home and school environments. The design and implementation of effective behavioural treatment strategies and procedures appropriate to the person and the situation are based on the principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI). The foundations of ethical thinking, professional codes of ethics, and the different perspectives and rationale for ethical decision making within a behavioural framework are also addressed. This certificate includes two field placements to solidify theory with practice.

Is this for you?

This certificate offers a specialization for those employed in, or seeking employment, in educational settings, community treatment agencies, as well as agencies that offer IBI. Graduates are able to implement effective behavioral intervention plans under appropriate supervision.

This Graduate Certificate can be completed on a part-time basis, with a maximum of 145 hours per semester.

Admission Requirements

An Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, or a university degree in a related field or equivalent.

Examples of related fields of study: Behavioural Science, Child Studies, Education, Psychology, Social work, Sociology, Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care, Developmental Services Worker or Social Service Worker.

Courses must be taken in the order in which they are listed.

To Apply

Apply online at ontariocolleges.ca. You will need to:

1. Create an account or log into your existing account, if you have created one within the last two years.
2. Fill in your personal information and educational history.
3. Add the Autism and Behavioural Science program (Program Code AUB).
4. Request your transcripts.
5. Pay the application processing fee and any transcript fees.

Courses in Autism and Behavioural Science Ontario College Graduate Certificate (Online)

Details and registration below

Mandatory

• Applied Behaviour Analysis-Introduction (HLTH359)
• Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (EDUC100)
• Working with Families and Teams (SOCI142)
• Ethics and Professionalism (SOCI148)
• Specialized Instructional Strategies (SOCI150)
• Autism: Field Placement 1 (FLPL228)
• Behavioural Skill Building (SOCI143)
• Treating Challenging Behaviours (SOCI147)
• Parent and Staff Training (SOCI149)
• Transition Planning and Implementation (SOCI144)
• Behaviour Management & Crisis Intervention (SOCI007)
• Autism: Field Placement 2 (FLPL229)

Mandatory

Applied Behaviour Analysis-Introduction

HLTH359

Study the principles of applied behaviour analysis (ABA), which is the basis for Intensive Behavioural Interventions (IBI). In addition to basic terminology, you will learn when and how to use these techniques appropriately. Students will also learn how to access and interpret journal publications in the field of autism and applied behaviour analysis.

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

EDUC100

You will begin your studies of autism with the neurodevelopmental and behavioural aspects of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, previously labelled as five different syndromes under the Autism Spectrum Disorder umbrella. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnostics tools, research-based interventions used to treat and manage Autism Spectrum Disorder from birth to adulthood. Requisite: Enrolment into the Autism and Behavioural Science graduate certificate program.

Working with Families and Teams

SOCI142

As part of the Autism and Behavioural Science post-graduate certificate, this course explores theories, terminology and applications underlying current approaches to teamwork and working with the families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The focus will be on effective collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team, which is essential to successful intensive behavioural intervention. You will develop the interpersonal, job-oriented skills necessary to problem-solve as team members in a flexible, empathetic, resourceful, and productive manner. Requisite: Enrolment into the Autism and Behavioural Science graduate certificate program.

Ethics and Professionalism

SOCI148

Gain an understanding of the foundations of ethical thinking and review the different perspectives and rationale for ethical decision-making within a behavioural framework. Explore professional codes of ethics as well as critical thinking and apply these to case studies, practice vignettes, structured exercises and group discussions. Gain the basics for developing ethical guidelines for practice, examining areas related to legislative acts and gaining an understanding the BACB guidelines of responsible conduct for a behaviour analyst and the ONTABA/ABA standards of practice. You will also learn how to evaluate your own professional expertise and limitations for ongoing professional development planning. Requisite: Enrolment into the Autism and Behavioural Science graduate certificate program.

Specialized Instructional Strategies

SOCI150

Explore common evidence-based behavioural approaches applied in teaching individuals with autism new skills with an emphasis on strategies for teaching language, academic skills, activities of daily living, play skills, and social skills. Study terminology, teaching techniques characterized in each of the modules (where applicable) and a basic understanding of the conceptual elements motivating the approaches. Requisite: Enrolment into the Autism and Behavioural Science graduate certificate program.

Autism: Field Placement 1

FLPL228

Field Placement 1 will provide a practical opportunity to demonstrate some of the vocational outcomes of the program, and participation in an ABA/IBI program for individuals with ASD. The student will develop technical skills through application of knowledge gained in prerequisite courses. Students will also have the opportunity to observe and practice the ethical application of behavioural principles / techniques. This course requires pre-requisites: Applied Behaviour Analysis-Introduction - HLTH359, Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - EDUC100, Ethics and Professionalism - SOCI148, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) - SOCI100

Behavioural Skill Building

SOCI143

Study the procedures for choosing and organizing curriculum for students with autism of various ages. A review of basic behaviour principles and teaching strategies will be discussed. Emphasis will be on curriculum development such as the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS). Curriculum development will be examined with an emphasis on speech and language, social and play skills, personal care skills and inclusion into less restrictive environments. Pre-requisite: Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis and Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Requisite: Enrolment into the Autism and Behavioural Science graduate certificate program. This course requires pre-requisites and co-requisites : Co-requisites = Treating Challenging Behaviours - SOCI147 Pre-requisites = Applied Behaviour Analysis-Introduction - HLTH359, Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - EDUC100, Specialized Instructional Strategies - SOCI150, Ethics and Professionalism - SOCI148

Treating Challenging Behaviours

SOCI147

Study a variety of procedures used to assess and treat challenging behaviours presented by individuals with autism / Autism Spectrum Disorder such as functional behavioural assessment and functional analysis and scientifically validated techniques for the treatment of challenging behaviours, e.g., stereotypy, pica, aggression, self-injury, etc. With emphasis on ethical techniques, treatment models will include antecedent control strategies, schedules of reinforcement, extinction, differential reinforcement strategies, social stories, desensitization procedures, and decelerative procedures. Pre-requisite: Intro to Applied Behavioural Analysis, Intro to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specialized Instructional Strategies, Ethics & Professionalism, Behavioural Skill Building. Requisite: Enrolment into the Autism and Behavioural Science graduate certificate program. This course requires pre-requisites and co-requisites: Co-requisites = Treating Challenging Behaviours - SOCI147 Pre-requisites = Applied Behaviour Analysis-Introduction - HLTH359, Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - EDUC100, Specialized Instructional Strategies - SOCI150, Ethics and Professionalism - SOCI148

Parent and Staff Training

SOCI149

Learn techniques for training for those working with autistic individuals to implement behaviour change plans (technology transfer). Practice techniques for individual and group presentation formats for the training of families or professionals. Learn how to maintain procedural integrity, use performance feedback, evaluate the effects of training, and understand the challenges that may impact before, during and after mediator training. Pre-requisite: Intro to Applied Behaviour Analysis, Intro to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Working with Families and Teams. Requisite: Enrolment into the Autism and Behavioural Science graduate certificate program. This course requires pre-requisites: Applied Behaviour Analysis-Introduction - HLTH359, Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - EDUC100, Working with Families and Teams - SOCI142

Transition Planning and Implementation

SOCI144

Prepare yourself for assisting in planning and mediating transitions for children with ASD within and across home, school and community settings. Topics will include models for effective transition planning, assessment and evaluation; understanding differing perspectives on transitions within and across environments; developing collaboration and relationship with parents and professionals; understanding transition practices and relevant legislation; and practice in the use of transition assessment and evaluation tools. Pre-requisite: Intro to Applied Behaviour Analysis, Intro to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Treating Challenging Behaviours, Working with Families and Teams, Ethics and Professionalism, and First Field Placement. Requisite: Enrolment into the Autism and Behavioural Science graduate certificate program. This course requires pre-requisites: Applied Behaviour Analysis-Introduction - HLTH359, Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - EDUC100, Treating Challenging Behaviours - SOCI147, Specialized Instructional Strategies - SOCI150, Working with Families and Teams - SOCI142, Autism: Field Placement 1 - FLPL228

Behaviour Management & Crisis Intervention

SOCI007

Become confident using effective conflict management and communication strategies in an interactive setting. Best practices in care-giving situations will be studied along with the impact of personal values, institutional settings, and other factors of dysfunctional behaviour. Self-care and self-evaluation of the care-giver will also be emphasized.

Autism: Field Placement 2

FLPL229

Field Placement 2 will provide a practical opportunity to demonstrate some of the vocational outcomes of the program. Students will further develop their technical skills through application of their knowledge gained in the prerequisite and co-requisite courses. In addition to developing and implementing treatment plans, students will use a guided observation to identify behavioural practices and their effectiveness. Students will continue to have the opportunity to observe and practice the ethical application of behavioural principles/techniques. This course requires pre-requisites: Applied Behaviour Analysis-Introduction - HLTH359, Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - EDUC100, Treating Challenging Behaviours - SOCI147, Working with Families and Teams - SOCI142, Ethics and Professionalism - SOCI148, Behavioural Skill Building - SOCI143, Specialized Instructional Strategies - SOCI150, Parent and Staff Training - SOCI149, Transition Planning and Implementation - SOCI144, Behaviour Management & Crisis Intervention - SOCI7, Autism: Field Placement 2 - FLPL228