Did you know that April 2, 2019 is the 12th annual World Autism Awareness Day?
In fact, April is World Autism Month! This international effort is designed to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and assure that each person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is provided the opportunity to reach their full potential, improve their quality of life and participate in all aspects of citizenship.
During this month, landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world “Light It Up Blue” in recognition of individuals with ASD. In the U.S., World Autism Month will be celebrated by presidential and congressional declarations and other online events and activities.
This year, we encourage you to go beyond just promoting autism awareness. Become more actively involved in helping others better understand how to accurately identify characteristics of individuals on the spectrum and develop effective programs that meet individual needs.
Wondering what you can do? Learn from the best, and put theory into practice.
Whether you are passionate about educating students in the classroom or in other school and community settings, or you simply want to become a more effective advocate for children with autism, advanced training will give you the knowledge and practical skills to do so. Faculty at the University of Kansas Department of Special Education are leaders in research and educational strategies for students with autism, and they bring their years of experience and expertise to the online master's in autism spectrum disorder. With access to cutting-edge information from renowned experts in the field, you can be confident that our online graduate programs will prepare you to positively impact the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder and their families.
The University of Kansas is a pioneer in autism education and educator training, having prepared educators with graduate programs in ASD for more than 30 years.Our faculty are highly regarded experts whose internationally acclaimed research and decades of practical experience translate directly into a relevant and meaningful experience for our graduate students.
The online graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorder is a focused and direct counterpart to our online master's in autism spectrum disorder, giving you a solid foundation of key knowledge and the opportunity to put what you learn into practice in a hands-on field experience. The online autism education program is designed for educators and related-service professionals who need the skills and expertise to develop and implement programming for students with autism. Students will advance their understanding of the characteristics of ASD and how it affects development, formal and informal assessment/identification methods, instructional strategies, and effective teaching practices. The program is designed for students who require intensive and highly individualized education and those who need less intensive support and services.
The online master’s in autism spectrum disorder is intense and thorough, providing a broad foundation in behavioral analysis and then building on that foundation in one of three track directions. Based on your personal career goals and interests, you will be required to choose from one of the following elective tracks: Behavior (understanding and supporting appropriate behaviors in learners with ASD), Leadership (preparing for a leadership position at a school or district) and Secondary/Transition (helping students transition to adult life).
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children with autism.