Frequently Asked Questions

Format

Do you offer Autism Spectrum Disorders courses online?

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders is offered online year-round. Applied Behavior Analysis Strategies and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Best Practice Strategies and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders are offered online twice per year. The Advanced Seminar and Practicum courses are not offered online.

What are the prerequisites for the Autism Spectrum Disorders courses?

You must have a minimum of a high school diploma. If you would like to obtain the professional concentration award, you should be currently serving or have the desire to work with students on the autism spectrum in an educational capacity. If you would like to obtain the certificate, you must have a credential or license to work with children on the autism spectrum.

Is there a required sequence of courses in the Professional Concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders?

There is a suggested sequence of courses. First complete Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders, then Applied Behavior Analysis Strategies and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders and finally Best Practice Strategies and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Advanced Seminar can only be taken after all three professional concentration courses have been successfully completed. The Practicum must be the last course taken in the series.

Can I enroll in these courses without enrolling in the professional concentration program or the certificate program?

Yes. You can enroll in Autism Spectrum Disorders courses without enrolling in the professional concentration or certificate program.

Academic Credit

What kind of academic credit will I earn?

The Autism Spectrum Disorders courses are academically approved as Professional Level Teacher Education. This credit is given in quarter units. One quarter unit equals 10 classroom hours or two-thirds of a semester unit.

If you intend to transfer these credits to another program, please consult with the appropriate institution. UC Davis Extension has no responsibility for course credit approval at other institutions.

How many units of credit will I receive when I complete the Professional Concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders or Certificate Program?

Completion of the Professional Concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders requires successful completion of nine units (three courses). Completion of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate Program requires successful completion of 15 units (five courses).

Can I apply previous UC Davis Extension Autism Spectrum Disorders courses to the Professional Concentration?

You must make a request in writing to have the course(s) count toward fulfilling requirements for the professional concentration/certificate program. The request will be reviewed for applicability and you will be notified of the decision.

Time and Cost

I work full-time and have a family. How much time can I expect to spend on assignments and homework?

Assignments will vary according to the instructor. In most cases you will be expected to do short readings or research between sessions. Past participants have found our courses engaging and challenging, but manageable when balanced with a full work- and/or family-life. If you have specific concerns, please contact us to discuss options.

How much can I expect to spend on textbooks?

Instructors require a variety of required and recommended textbooks depending on the course. For this program, expect to spend about $200.

Enrollment and Registration

How do I enroll in the professional concentration or certificate program?

You will need to complete the certificate/professional concentration program application and return it to the UC Davis Extension Student Services office with your $45 nonrefundable application fee and any required documentation as stated on the application. You can submit the application anytime during the program, but it must be submitted before your final quarter.

When should I officially apply to the Autism Spectrum Disorders Professional Concentration/Certificate Program?

An application may be submitted anytime during the program, but must be received before the final quarter. We recommend applying prior to enrolling in the third course in the program.

Certification and Added Authorization

Who is eligible for the UC Davis Extension Professional Concentration Award?

Those who successfully complete the three required courses in the program with at least a "B" average and a "C" or better in each course are eligible to apply. You should also be currently serving or have the desire to work with students on the autism spectrum in an educational capacity.

Who is eligible for the UC Davis Extension Certificate?

Those who successfully complete the five required courses in the program with at least a "B" average and a "C" or better in each course, and have a credential or license to work with children with autism spectrum disorders, are eligible to apply. This includes: general educators, special educators (moderate/severe), speech and language pathologists, school psychologists, educational therapists, occupational therapists and other licensed clinical professionals. Note: This program has not been approved for CTC-Added Authorization, which is required for special educators with a Mild/Moderate Credential.

Who is eligible for the CTC Added Authorization in autism?

Only those with a Mild/Moderate Special Education Credential (or its equivalent predecessors) are eligible to add the authorization to their credential. Other special educators are not eligible, as they do not need a CTC authorization to work with autistic children.

 Update 
Will UC Davis offer courses for CTC-Approved Added Authorization in autism?

UC Davis Extension's established agreement with San Joaquin County's Project Impact provides graduates an immediate option for completing the requirements for the CCTC Added Authorization. Students successfully completing the UC Davis Extension three-course Professional Concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders are eligible to receive "equivalences" from Project Impact, and thus would only need to complete a one-unit fieldwork experience under supervision of Project Impact instructors. Project Impact has the capacity to supervise students in districts throughout Northern and Central California, and would serve as the official program sponsor for purposes of candidate recommendations to CCTC. For more information about Project Impact visit http://www.sjcoe.org/teacherdev/projectimpact.aspx or email bloux@sjcoe.net.

UC Davis Extension will continue to explore options for past and future graduates to earn the added authorization, including submitting our own program. In the meantime, we are pleased to offer this option for those who wish to become authorized in the very near term.

In addition, the UC Davis Extension Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate Program is an ideal option for licensed professionals who are not eligible for the Added Authorization but still wish to develop and demonstrate clinical competency in working with children on the autism spectrum. It is also appropriate for educators who have earned the Authorization, and wish to further advance their research expertise and clinical competency.

Completion

How can I check my grade at the end of a course?

After the instructor has submitted grades at the end of the course, Student Services will mail you a grade report. You may also create an online customer account to access your grade report as needed.

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