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Please note:

Financial support is available to eligible applicants in the form of a leadership education grant and leadership travel grant. Apply online at ecegrants.on.ca.

About the program

This fully online graduate certificate program prepares students to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in both home and school settings. With a strong focus on applied skills, the program explores the characteristics of ASD and the principles of behavioural science used to understand and support individuals with ASD. Students will learn to assess needs, apply evidence-based treatment strategies, and tailor interventions to suit each child’s unique context.

A key emphasis is placed on designing and implementing effective behavioural treatment plans that are ethical, practical, and family-centered. The program also highlights the importance of collaboration, preparing students to work closely with families and interdisciplinary teams. Throughout the coursework, students will engage with current theories and best practices while developing a solid foundation in ethical decision-making and professional standards within a behavioural framework.

Graduating students will develop expertise in the children’s sector and be well-prepared for a variety of career opportunities.

This fully online graduate certificate program prepares students to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in both home and school settings. With a strong focus on applied skills, the program explores the characteristics of ASD and the principles of behavioural science used to understand and support individuals with ASD. Students will learn to assess needs, apply evidence-based treatment strategies, and tailor interventions to suit each child’s unique context.

A key emphasis is placed on designing and implementing effective behavioural treatment plans that are ethical, practical, and family-centered. The program also highlights the importance of collaboration, preparing students to work closely with families and interdisciplinary teams. Throughout the coursework, students will engage with current theories and best practices while developing a solid foundation in ethical decision-making and professional standards within a behavioural framework.

Graduating students will develop expertise in the children’s sector and be well-prepared for a variety of career opportunities.

Program information

All courses must be completed within 5 years of acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements

  • An Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma or University degree in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care, Developmental Services, Education, Psychology or Sociology, or equivalent or an acceptable combination of a minimum 5 years of related work and personal experience.

Note re: admission requirements

  • Domestic applicants, if your transcripts are from outside of Canada, you will need to obtain a course-by-course comprehensive evaluation. You can use an approved provider of credential evaluation services such as ICAS or WES, or you can request a credential evaluation through the College using the Assessment of International Credentials for Admissions and Credit Transfer online form. An assessment request through the College can only be made once you have applied to a program.

  • Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of TOEFL iBT 88 with no individual skill less than 22; IELTS 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0; CAEL 70 with no sub-test band scores less than 60; PTE Academic 58; CELAP (Conestoga English Language Assessment and Placement) 82 or higher; Cambridge Exams 180 (no individual score less than 170); or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.

  • We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but who have met all other admission criteria. You will be eligible for admission to the degree program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Your placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.

Admission procedures

  • Apply at Ontario Colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Program requirements

  • Mandatory practicum health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to student field/clinical placements. Successful placement completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for field/clinical placement learning experiences, students must present the following in the semester prior to placement:
    • TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing
    • Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in field placement/clinical which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counseling to determine program suitability.

Graduate opportunities

Training in autism and behavioural science will enhance staff in industries such as school boards, community treatment agencies, hospital/clinical settings, private agencies or independent contractors as an instructor therapist or behaviour therapist.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Assess and analyze the characteristics, skills, and behaviour of individuals with ASD to effectively implement evidence-based behavioural interventions.
  • Design and implement effective behavioural intervention plans under appropriate supervision and based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural intervention plans based on the principles of ABA.
  • Work collaboratively with families, teams, service providers, and the broader community to respond to the learning and behavioural needs of individuals with ASD.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate as part of a team, ABA based transition plans for individuals with ASD.
  • Comply with established ethical principles and professional guidelines.
  • Provide leadership in the promotion and provision of services to meet the needs of individuals with ASD and their families.
  • Evaluate empirical evidence in order to select appropriate interventions for individuals with ASD.

Note:

  • This program is delivered online. Field placements will require in-person travel to the field site.

Program contact

Interested in taking this program full time?

See our Autism and Behavioural Science full-time program for more information.


Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Winter registration: Now open
Spring registration: Opens March 2, 2026