Develop graduate-level expertise in autism through this flexible, fully online program. Whether you're an educator, mental health professional, or family member, you will evaluate research, investigate evidence-based practices, and learn to deliver effective intervention for autistic individuals.
The curriculum covers contemporary issues in autism, with a focus on
Core characteristics of autism
Social-communication development
Diagnostic assessment
Understanding and addressing behavior
The certificate consists of four online courses that can be completed from anywhere in the world. Classes may be taken individually, or you can complete all four to earn the certificate.
Note: This certificate does not grant a licensure or confer a degree (although these courses can count toward licensure and graduate degree requirements).
Program Essentials
This program offers rolling admissions, meaning you may apply at any time.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
(minimum accumulative GPA 2.75 out of 4.00)
Completed online application that includes:
Personal statement
Minimum 79 TOEFL score
or minimum 6.5 IELTS score
or minimum 115 Duolingo score (international students only)
The Graduate Studies Office will accept unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores for admission reviews. Any admission made with these documents would be conditioned on receipt of official documents, which should be provided as soon as possible.
If you are currently enrolled or have applied in the past year, you are eligible for a reduced application fee of $35.
Find more information and calculate your expected costs at
.
The courses are for people who want to develop a comprehensive understanding of autism, including:
Special education and general education teachers, school leaders, and other education professionals
Graduate students and professionals in school psychology, psychology, social work, counseling, SLPs, and related human-service fields
Parents and family members seeking a deeper understanding of an autistic child or relative
Autistic adults and other neurodivergent learners interested in advanced study of autism
Advocates and community professionals who collaborate with autistic people and their families
This mix of professional and personal perspectives make class discussions rich and engaging.
“The online format gives me a chance to reflect on what I‘m going say and refine my ideas before posting them. From the beginning through the end, course expectations were clear and I could always go back and look at my instructor’s directions.”
“I feel engaged when I see the relationship between my readings and what’s going on in my practice. I am also surprised by how much I learn from the experiences of my fellow classmates. The information that they shared helps me see how what we learned can be applied in multiple settings.”
“This certificate broadened my understanding of autism, introducing me to key concepts such as communication challenges, echolalia, behavior intervention strategies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and social skills training. Each class deepened my perspective and gave me practical insights I can apply in real-world settings to better understand and support autistic students.”
Each class deepened my perspective and provided practical insights that I can apply to better understand and support individuals with autism.
Former student
Program Options
To take all four classes and receive the Certificate in Autism, apply here.
Current IU graduate students may use these courses as electives or put them towards a minor in Special ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.
Current School of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø graduate students can without going through the full application process.
Individual classes can be taken without enrolling in the certificate.
Admissions are rolling; the GRE is not required.
Courses
EDUC-K 631 Introduction to Autism (3 cr.) – Fall Semester, 13 weeks Explore the characteristics of autism, the history and evolution of diagnosis, early development, personal perspectives, and approaches to support and intervention.
EDUC-K 633 Communication Development, Assessment, and Intervention in Autism Spectrum (3 cr.) – Spring Semester, 13 weeks Examine the development of social-communication pathways beginning in young autistic children and evidence-based approaches to support language acquisition. Consider ways to encourage peer interaction and conversation skills as social demands grow with age.
EDUC-K 634 Preventing and Intervening with Challenging Behavior for Students with Autism (3 cr.) – Spring or Fall depending on demand Examine current approaches to understanding behavior in context, including naturalistic approaches to applied behavior analysis (ABA), functional behavior assessment (FBA), and strategies for developing positive, individualized supports.
EDUC-P 650 Autism Assessment (3 cr.) – Summer Session, 8 weeks Study the principles and practices of autism assessment and gain guided experience with tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). The course covers the purposes, applications, and limitations of these tools, along with the professional and ethical standards that guide their use.
