Autism Certificate Program

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects 1 out of 150 children.  Old Dominion University is pleased to offer a 12-credit-hour certificate program designed to prepare teachers and related service providers to effectively work with and provide support for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).    This coursework can be completed separately from, or integrated into, the Masters Degree in Special Education.   Please direct the certificate program application to:

Dr. Cheryl Baker
Child Study Center Room 122
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529

Required Courses:

ESSE 625: Characteristics of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders                                                                                 

This course will provide students with information regarding the characteristics and etiology of autism and other disorders on the autism spectrum, including communication and social skills challenges, sensory processing issues and the impact of common medical problems experienced by students with autism-spectrum disorders.                                        

ESSE 627: Instructional Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders                                                                 

This course will provide students with knowledge and skills related to assessment, program planning, and instructional methodology for students with autism spectrum disorders.  Special attention is focused upon strategies for promoting the development of social skills, and methods to address students' sensory support needs.                                           

ESSE 569: Communication/Language Development and Intervention Strategies                                                                 

This course examines symbolic and nonsymbolic communication/language development and acquisition. Emphasis is on routine based communication training, communication/language facilitation strategies, augmentative communication systems, and informal/functional communication/language assessment procedures for students with significant disabilities.

ESSE 621: Effective Intervention for Children and Youth with Challenging Behavior                                                                                     

The course details current practices of data collection, programming, and data analysis of individual and group management. Functional behavioral assessment, positive behavior interventions and supports, problem reduction, replacement programming, self-control and use of peer-mediated intervention are emphasized.                       

Reimbursement Opportunity

 Virginia teachers enrolled in the ODU Certificate in Teaching Students with Autism may be reimbursed for courses by the Virginia Department of Education. The reimbursement application is available at www.autismtrainingva.org/index.