Micro-certificate - Support for autistic children

Non-credited continuing education micro-certificate - Support for autistic children

Program offered by the Centre collégial de l'Alberta.

Program overview

  • 2 asynchronous online courses, according to your own schedule
  • Course descriptions:

    • EXCSJ 6302 - Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder - 39 hours: This course on neurodevelopmental disorders in autistic children deepens the understanding of neurodiversity by recognizing and valuing the unique ways in which neurodivergent children experience and interact with the world. It emphasizes that neurological differences, such as autism, are natural variations rather than deficits. This perspective aligns with equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives within universities, as it fosters an inclusive learning environment where neurodivergent individuals are respected and supported in their educational and social experiences. By working with neurodiversity, we move away from colonial frameworks that pathologize mental and neurological differences. This shift is particularly important for restoring indigenous perspectives on mental health, which often emphasize balance, community, and holistic well-being. By embracing neurodiversity, we not only support neurodiverse students, but also create space to integrate indigenous knowledge systems, thus fostering a more inclusive and respectful approach to mental health in academia.

    • EXCSJ 6303 - Intervention Process for Children with Autism - 39 hours: This course enables students to understand and use the stages of the intervention process in special education, adapted to the characteristics and needs of children with autism spectrum disorders. Students will explore the stages of the intervention process specific to special education (communication, observation, analysis, evaluation, planning, intervention and feedback). At the end of the course, the student will be able to describe the biopsychosocial adaptation problems of a child with an autism spectrum disorder, plan an educational intervention, participate in the implementation of the intervention plan, propose adjustments as needed and use concrete intervention strategies, while taking into account the cultural aspects of the First Nations, Métis or Inuit or children with an immigrant background. Prerequisite: EXCSJ 6302
  • The program is designed for part-time study and must be completed within six months (180 days), at a rate of 90 days per course. There is no minimum duration for the program.
  • We are open to students with diverse educational and professional backgrounds. All you need is the will to learn and to achieve your continuing education goals.
  • Your instructors are more than educators and specialists in adult learning. They are specialists in specialized education, both in the professional field and in the post-secondary environment.
  • International students are welcome and pay the same price as Canadian and permanent resident students.