Autism Spectrum Disorders
Certificate Program Offered
February 2002

Chileda, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse office of Continuing Education and Extension and University of Wisconsin Extension, now offer an Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate Program.

Parents, teachers, paraprofessionals, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers, regular educators or persons who provide direct support or service to an individual with an autism spectrum disorder will benefit from this 27 hour intensive program.

This training will review the history of autism and common characteristics of those with autism. Best teaching practices for communication, education, nutrition, sensory, social and vocational issues will also be presented. The course will conclude with a review and discussion of controversial treatments.

Participants will:

1. Participant will understand the diagnostic criteria for and characteristics of autism.
2. Participant will become familiar with a variety of communication strategies for individuals with autism.
3. Participant will develop an understanding of strategies that help develop social skills.
4. Participant will become familiar with the use of nutritional supplements and medications that can relieve some of the symptoms of autism.
5. Participant will develop an awareness of sensory integration difficulties of individuals with autism and strategies to provide appropriate sensory input.
6. Participant will become more aware of the needs of families with individuals with autism.
7. Participant will develop an understanding of the vocational needs of persons with autism.
8. Participant will develop an understanding of controversial therapies and ways to judge the validity of those therapies.

This program is Credit Equivalency Unit-based; no grades are given. Full attendance is expected and participants are expected to read handouts prior to each session. A final small group presentation, given after reading an autobiography/biography of an individual with autism, will also be required.

Click here for more information regarding this program's certificate content.

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