15 semester credits

PROGRAM

This 15 hour program prepares students to provide educational, social, behavioral, and community services and information to individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families. Individuals who complete the program will be knowledgeable about:

• Characteristics of various disorders included in the spectrum of autism
• Educational strategies
• Collaboration efforts
• Communication
• Technology skills to be implemented with individuals with ASD

Classes are taught online with field experience and practicum required in two courses. These experiences can be completed at the Kelly Autism Program office within the Clinical Education Complex at WKU in Bowling Green, KY, or at a location approved by the program advisor.

ADMISSION

This certificate program will be open to students who have completed a master’s degree or higher in any of the following programs: Education, Exceptional Education, Literacy, School Psychology, Communication Disorders, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, Nursing or Public Health. It may also be appropriate for professionals in related areas seeking to learn more about individuals who have been diagnosed with ASD.

Interested students must apply through the WKU Office of Graduate Studies.

REQUIRED COURSES

EXED 610: Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Comprehensive review of ASD from the perspectives of various disciplines. Theories of causation, developmental aspects, descriptive and diagnostic characteristics, and legal and social issues. Thirty field experience hours required.

EXED 612: Collaboration with Schools and Agencies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders*
Preparation of teachers to work as consultants in a team model; exploration of local, state, and regional agencies involved with individuals diagnosed with ASD. Supervised practicum required at designated sites.         

EXED 615: Instructional Strategies and Design for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Development of competencies and philosophies of instructional design specific to teaching students with ASD. Emphasis on research-based instructional strategies, plans and classroom structures.

EXED 618: Social Skills Instruction and Behavioral Programming for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Development of competencies in assessing, designing, and implementing social skills instruction and behavioral programming for students with ASD.

EXED 619: Assistive Technology and Communication Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Investigation of assistive and instructional technology, as well as alternative and augmentative communication devices to implement with students with ASD.  

*: EXED 612 consists of 120 supervised practicum hours, and is held at the Kelly Autism Program at WKU. This three-week course will provide opportunities to work with individuals with ASD from ages 7 through adulthood both in academic and community/employment settings.

CONTACT Dr. Marty Boman, Ed.D. ASD Certificate Advisor Assistant Professor, Exceptional Education School of Teacher Education College of Education & Behavioral Sciences 1906 College Heights Blvd #71030 Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030 270-745-8833 FAX: 270-745-6435 marty.boman@wku.edu

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