Autism and Behavioural Science
164
Program Highlights
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects approximately 1 in 66 people in Canada. ASD affects an individual’s ability to interact and communicate with others, learn and behave. ASD is a spectrum disorder which means that each individual will experience these deficits in different ways and to different degrees.
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the science of behaviour. ABA focuses on observable, environmental elements that affect behaviour. The best known application of ABA has been its use as a treatment for ASD and other developmental disabilities, however it should be noted that the principles of ABA are applicable to everyone who behaves!
This program teaches students how to use behaviour analysis to teach socially significant skills to improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD and other disabilities and their families.
What you'll learn
- Apply evidence-based treatments and how they are used to teach individuals with autism.
- Design, implement and evaluate treatment plans using behavioural strategies.
- Comprehend and respond to needs of family members.
- Train caregivers to implement techniques with their children.
- Develop an understanding of the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), in the intensive behaviour intervention application with children with autism.
Program Length
1 academic year (period of 8 months)
View the Exceptions Calendar for start dates and semester break information.
Course Overview & Descriptions
Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes, often referred to as ‘Program Standards', set out the essential learning that a student must achieve before being deemed ready to graduate.
In many cases these program learning outcomes were developed by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) in consultation with employers and educators who are experts in the program field. To ensure the outcomes remain current and in line with industry needs, we invite our employers, graduates working in the field and current students to re-examine and update them during regular, ongoing program review focus groups.
Admission
Domestic and International student admission requirements
- Minimum two-year College diploma or University degree
- Preference is given to applicants with Human Services, Psychology and Health Sciences Diplomas and Degrees
- Attendance at program orientations is strongly recommended
- Applicants should note that some employment opportunities require that certain physical standards must be met as a condition of employment
- Communicable disease screening and a police check are required to begin placement
- Proof of English proficiency for applicants where English is not their first language must be submitted to Ontario Colleges
- Fluency requirements must be met for applicants where English is their second language.
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English.
Language Requirements for Applicants with English as a Second Language
- See below for accepted equivalents for Grade 12 English:
- Successful completion of the GAS-English for Academic Purposes (478) program
- TOEFL minimum score of 560 (83 Internet based)
- or IELTS Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0
- More information about acceptable certificates, can be found on the International Admission Requirements
Tuition and Fees
2025 - 2026 Domestic Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Ancillary Fees | $856.17 | $809.78 |
| Co-op Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Compulsory Program Fees | $136.00 | $0.00 |
| Domestic Tuition | $2,583.72 | $2,583.72 |
| Total Domestic Charges Per Semester | $3,575.89 | $3,393.50 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $6,969.39 | |
Above fees based on full-time September program start date. Contact Student Services to confirm fees for other start dates or semesters.
- Full Cost Breakdown
- Explore payment options
- Book costs for your program can be found through the Campus Store
- If your program includes a clinical, practicum, or field placement, you may be required to complete Preplacement Non-Academic Requirements (NARs). Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks). More information can be found on the Preplacement Services webpage.
2025 - 2026 International Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tuition & Ancillary Fee | $9,380.00 | $9,380.00 |
| Co-op Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Program Compulsory Fees | $136.00 | $0.00 |
| International Tax Recovery | $450.00 | $375.00 |
| Total International Charges Per Semester | $9,966.00 | $9,755.00 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $19,721.00 | |
If you pay by wire transfer, please note your bank might charge you a fee to transfer money. Make sure your transfer includes the Mohawk payment and the wire transfer fee. This applies to each wire transfer payment you make.
- Explore payment options
- Book costs for your program can be found through the Campus Store
- If your program includes a clinical, practicum, or field placement, you may be required to complete Preplacement Non-Academic Requirements (NARs). Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks). More information can be found on the Preplacement Services webpage.
Additional Information
Financial Assistance
When it comes to paying for your education, investing in your future can be more affordable than you think. A Mohawk education is one of the most cost-effective means of acquiring the skills and knowledge you need to have a prosperous and rewarding career.
As you start on your chosen career path, it's important to have a realistic set of expectations regarding the expenses associated with attending college. In addition to your tuition fees, you will also need to budget for books, supplies, housing, and other related living expenses. You may be able to supplement your income and savings with scholarships, bursaries, or loans. It pays to do some research into what types of financial assistance you may qualify for.
Available Financial Assistance Resources:
OSAP Eligible. Learn about Ontario Student Assistance Program - OSAP (domestic students only)- Working on Campus
- Additional Sources of Funding
- Financial Assistance Home Page
Apply for Awards:
By submitting a Scholarships and Bursaries Application every semester, students have access to over $3 million in Mohawk College scholarships, bursaries and Ministry-partnered funding to help meet their financial needs.
Financial Literacy:
Whether saving for school, sticking to a budget, or planning for a major purchase, financial literacy affects us all. That's why Mohawk College is dedicated to helping students improve their financial literacy and become more confident in managing their money.
- Complete the free online Money Matters Module to earn Co-Curricular Credit!
- Financial Resources and Calculators
Experiential Learning
How you'll gain skills
- Experience two unpaid field placements totaling 322 hours.
- Experience interactive simulations, to further develop course concepts.
Field Placement
- Students will complete two field placements in community settings, such as hospitals, clinics, classrooms or residential settings, to obtain real work experience throughout Ontario
- Students participate in an unpaid field placement. Visit the Autism & Behavioural Science Field Placement page for additional information.
Become an Agency
If you would like to become an Agency that takes students on placement from Mohawk College's Health Studies programs, please visit the Health Students page.
To learn more, please visit the Centre for Experiential Learning.
Educational Pathways
Pathways to Mohawk
If you've successfully taken a course at another post-secondary institution, you may be able to earn course exemptions toward your credential here at Mohawk.
If you have successfully completed one of the following programs at Mohawk, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit in this program. To start a new program at Mohawk, you must apply via ontariocolleges.ca.
Transfer from
You can transfer to the Autism and Behavioural Science - 164 from the following programs:
Early Childhood Education (Intensive)
Educational Support
Recreation Therapy (Intensive)
Social Service Worker (Intensive)
Early Childhood Education
Social Service Worker
Recreation Therapy
Child and Youth Care
Brain Disorders Management
Concurrent Disorders
Mental Health and Disability Management
Receiving Program
Autism and Behavioural Science
Transfer to
You can transfer from the Autism and Behavioural Science - 164 to the following programs:
Community and Social Services Management
Mohawk College makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of each transfer opportunity. Please note that changes may occur in program offerings, admission requirements, and transfer credits granted by the receiving institutions. We advise all students to check with the receiving institution directly for the most up-to-date information.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Search ONTransfer.ca for more pathways with Ontario public colleges and universities.
Mohawk College makes no warranty or endorsement of material contained within links to external websites, nor does the College assume any responsibility for the linked website or its contents.
Career Opportunities
Your future career options
- Instructor Therapist
- Behaviour Therapist
- Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapist
- Autism Therapist
- Registered Behavior Technician (upon successful completion of prerequisites outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (upon successful completion of prerequisites outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Where you could work includes:
- Community Treatment Agencies
- Hospital/Clinical Settings
- Private Agencies or Independent Contractors
- Family Homes
- School Boards
Meet our faculty
Additional Resources
Faculty Spotlight: Emily Comegna
We're here for you to support applications and admissions by providing online and virtual services.
General Inquiries
Please call 905-575-1212
Applied and have questions?
Email Admissions or Book an appointment in person or by phone.
Haven't applied and need help?
Email Recruitment or Book an appointment in person or by phone.
Applied as an international student?
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Program Delivery
Learn about program delivery terms.
Please note: in-person, virtual, and hybrid classes vary according to the program and some programs may be in-person only. Refer to the Program Overview for more information.
Student stories
Helping kids through behavioural science
“The Autism and Behavioural Science 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
The Autism and Behavioral Science faculty members, whom I had the pleasure to learn from, provided me with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience that is often sought out by students, yet challenging to find. I truly believe that I am successful in my position as an Instructor Therapist because of the group projects and individual assignments I worked on as a student, as I apply these skills on a day-to-day basis.
Meghan, '17
Ready to apply?
If you are a Domestic or Canadian applicant, you can apply through the Ontario College Application System.
You are considered a Domestic applicant if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident that resides inside or outside of Canada.
Contact us
Domestic Canadian Students
Contact Student Recruitment
Haven’t applied yet and have questions?
Contact our Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and more.
Contact Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Email Admissions
Book an Appointment ⤻
Phone: 905-575-1212
International Students
Contact International Student Recruitment
Contact our International Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and student life.
Contact International
Email: intl.representatives@mohawkcollege.ca
Phone: 1-905-575-2254
Toll free phone numbers:
For general questions: 1-888-Mohawk9 (1-888-664-2959)
Contact International Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact International Admissions
Phone: 1-905-575-2254
*Not all programs are international eligible. Please see our programs available for international students.
Program Coordinator
Emily Comegna
Accessible Learning Services
Are you a student with a confirmed or suspected disability? Visit our Accessible Learning Services website to discover how we can help you.
