What to expect from the program
As a real-time, online program, you can tune into immersive classes from the comfort of your home. You’re encouraged to bring your own wisdom and lived experience and learn from one another in addition to the instructor. By creating a community of practice, you can stay connected with fellow classmates throughout the program and continue to share knowledge and insights.
As with other Community Studies programs, NorQuest’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Studies continues the learning experience by taking a holistic approach. By analyzing the environment and community, our courses teach you how to improve the joy and wellbeing of individuals with autism.
Through a combination of applied and theoretical learning, you'll:
- Acknowledge the diversity represented in those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder across the life span
- Build positive relationships for work with individuals and their families
- Apply evidence-base practices for supporting regulation, communication skills and sensory processing
- Demonstrate professionalism and collaboration when working in a multi-disciplinary team
- Advocate for individuals with mental health diagnoses
- Develop and foster relationships in helping individuals develop regulation
- Recognize and participate in planning for individuals who have co-occurring diagnosis within the context of multi-disciplinary teams
- Participate in ongoing reflection of self-regulation and co-regulation as a professional
An optional field placement is also included in this program. You can gain 150 hours of work experience. Take the knowledge you learned in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations, such as:
- Observation and data collection
- Regulation and relationship-building
- Encouraging meaning and joy
By gaining on-the-job training, you’ll also have the chance to reflect on and discuss practices, so you can deepen your understanding while making important industry connections.
Who is this program for?
Autism Spectrum Disorder Studies is a post-diploma program designed for students with previous knowledge and education in a range of backgrounds, including:
- Disability studies alumni
- Early learning and child care educators
- Social workers
- Teachers
- Education assistants
- Health-care practitioners