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, part-time graduate certificate program addresses the fields of autism and behavioural science, specifically the syndromes associated with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children across various contexts including home and school environments. Students will examine, apply, and evaluate current theories, practices and treatment methodologies used to treat ASD and incorporate modified practices and procedures appropriate to the child and the situation. The program emphasizes the design and implementation of effective behavioural treatment plans. Learning to work within a team environment and with families are key elements of the program. The foundations of ethical thinking, professional codes of ethics, and the different perspectives and rationale for ethical decision making within a behavioural framework are introduced.

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.

Note re: admission requirements

* 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 (effective January 2024 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; Conestoga English Language Test (CELT) Band 6; Cambridge Exams 180 with 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

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form
  • Submit proof of Admission Requirements. Review Apply to a Program to learn how.

    • Your official, unopened transcript may be mailed to our Admissions Office or have the institution email or fax an official copy to our office. We will only accept emailed or faxed copies if they are received directly from the institution where you studied.
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements

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.

Program related resources

Note:

  • This program is delivered online. Field placements, capstones and exams may require in-person travel to the college or field site.

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

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

Spring registration: Opens March 11, 2024
Fall registration: Opens July 22, 2024