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

• NOTE: This program is available in French only
• This program will give you the skills you need to understand and navigate the special education intervention process, including identifying neurodevelopmental disorders, developing individualised intervention plans, and working with families and communities. This program is ideal for people who are balancing their personal and professional lives, especially those who work with autistic children in daycare centres or primary schools without any prior training.
• Two online courses, 39 hours each, in asynchronous mode, 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.
  More information on the Continuing Education website.
  
  
• 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, students 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
  More information on the Continuing Education website.

Fall Term 2025

1. EXCSJ 6302 - Neurodevelopmental disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder
   
   • For new registrants to the program.
   • Course start date: 2 September 2025
   • Course end date: 2 December 2025
2. EXCSJ 6303 - Intervention process for children with autism
   • For those who have completed EXCSJ 6302
   • Course start date: 2 September 2025
   • Course end date: 30 November 2025

Other Information

We are open to people from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. All you need is a willingness to learn and to achieve your continuing education goals.

Your instructors are more than educators and adult learning specialists. They are specialists in special education, both in the vocational field and in the post-secondary environment.

International students are welcome and pay the same price as Canadian students and permanent residents.