Autism & Behavioural Science
Ontario College Graduate Certificate Program
Read the program calendar description
Field Placement
As Field Placement applies to several audiences, choose the audience that applies to you in order to review the appropriate information:
Define your career in Autism and Behavioural Science
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition that can affect the social, communicative and play behaviour in young children. The condition affects approximately one in 250 children in Canada. Without treatment, children with autism may not learn to speak, interact, or function in their community. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is used to teach children with autism to develop new skills, such as language or social play, through repeated practice, intensive teaching (Intensive Behavioural Intervention or IBI), and positive reinforcement.
Testimonials
Why students chose the program:
“The Autism and Behavioural Sciences program is a miracle in my mind. I came across this program by chance... The program has given me a better opportunity, not only to understand autism, but other developmental disorders as well. With the ever increasing attention being placed on autism, knowing that I can help just one child accomplish one goal is the reason I am here.” – JuliAnn
Experience Professional Opportunities
- Mohawk’s new Autism and Behavioural Science program teaches students how to help children grow and learn from their environment.
- The Ontario Ministry of Child and Youth Services has sponsored this highly-specialized program in response to a critical need for trained Instructor Therapists within early Autism intervention programs across the province.
- The program’s emphasis is on children from birth to 6 years of age.
Focus on Specialized Study Areas:
Instructional Strategies
- Learn how to incorporate a number of teaching styles and strategies such as Discrete Trial Teaching, Applied Verbal Behaviour, Precision Teaching, Direct Instruction, etc.
- Assess when and how to change your teaching to meet the child’s needs.
- Understand how data collection can ensure that your teaching is always effective.
Needs of Parents and Caregivers
- Comprehend the effects that a diagnosis of autism can have on immediate families and develop a range of strategies to support family members in understanding the behaviour of their child.
- Learn to train parents and other caregivers to implement educational techniques with their child. Applied Behaviour Analysis
- Learn to be objective and ensure success, by making research-based decisions grounded in scientific principles.
- Assess progress through data analysis and develop a plan for intervention in accordance with family values and ethical standards.
- Identify and use alternate resources within the community in support of a multidisciplinary approach when needed.
Work Experience
- Complete two field placements in a community setting, such as hospitals, clinics, classrooms or residential settings, to obtain real work experience.
Learn, lead and contribute:
- Show leadership in guiding the activities of self or others and in contributing knowledge and skills for practical solutions.
- Assess and analyse the skills of children using a variety of assessment tools.
- Design and implement effective behavioural treatment plans according to the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis.
- Evaluate and adapt the effectiveness of individual learning plans on an ongoing basis.
- Collaborate with families, treatment teams and other service providers to respond to the particular learning or behavioural challenges of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Assist children in interacting with their environment, by teaching them how to communicate and socialize appropriately.
- Contribute to the well being of children with special needs and their families and caregivers.
- Enter a unique and rewarding profession with both interactive and analytic components, in a career that will change your life.
- Expand and enhance your career as an educator or human services professional.
Highlights
- Obtain a higher level of knowledge and skill in the area of autism spectral disorders assessment and treatment
- Build on your undergraduate studies
- Enhance vocational knowledge as well as leadership, critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Develop a broad understanding and training in the area of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles and practices which include the Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) Techniques
- Work as integral members of a services delivery team, supporting individuals with autism & autism spectral disorders in our community
- Demonstrate a high degree of initiative with a high level of verbal and written communication skills
- The only program of its kind offered in south western Ontario
Career Opportunities
- Community Treatment Agencies
- School Boards
- Family Visits
- Instructor Therapists
More Information & How to Apply: