AUTISM SPECTRUM

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
CONTINUING STUDIES

The 81-hour certificate program is for persons who work, interact and live with persons with autism in the
course of their day. This program will provide multiple strategies, examples, tips and resource
alternatives within an easily referenced topical format. There is a unique combination of
professional/contributor and parental/caregiver descriptions, guest lectures and individual anecdotes, as
well as concrete suggestions and in-depth resource listings that can be used to greatly enhance the
quality of interactions with persons with autism in home, educational, health professional, daycare, social
work or caregiver settings.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
• BC secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for
at least one year as of the first day of classes.
• A minimum grade of 60% in one of English 12, Technical and Professional Communications (TPC)
12 or an equivalent Provincial Level ABE English course; or a minimum score of 24/40 (Level 4) on
the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) test. Note: Communications 12 is not acceptable.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:
Students must pass each component with a minimum grade of 70% to receive a certificate.

AUSP 111 An Overview of the Spectrum (15 Hours)

This course is designed to give participants a thorough overview to the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Various topics will be discussed: the changing definition and treatment of autism in recent history, the
complex process of diagnosis, and some of the real challenges in assessing and understanding the very
different capabilities of persons living with autism. Participants will take part in a series of activities to
better understand the unique communication, social and sensory challenges that persons with autism
face on a daily basis.

AUSP 121 Every Day on the Autism Spectrum (18 Hours)

This course will deal with common everyday issues such as: dressing, eating and sleeping
behaviors/routines, sensory challenges, toileting challenges, anxiety behaviors, sexual health education,
accessing and sharing in public spaces and outings and building positive social connections with the
community.

AUSP 131 How to Information Share and Provide Good Care (18 Hours)
This course deals with information sharing and communication strategies around ASD. An overview of
practical approaches and strategies to explain and respond to ASD-related behaviors by extended
family, friends, educators, potential caregivers and related professionals is provided. Communication,
anxiety and a range of social and physical challenges are reviewed and discussed. Included are some
‘survive’ and ‘thrive’ strategies for parents and caregivers, for those days, weeks or months when the
challenges of living with autism everyday seem overwhelming.

PDC: 4149/ZAUSP EdCo Approved: December 3, 2009

AUSP 141 Education and the Social Side of Life (15 Hours)
This course identifies the complex educational needs of persons on the ASD spectrum, and the special
challenges and educational potential of the inclusive classroom, and an inclusive school environment.
This course emphasizes skill building in working with children and teenagers with ASD and practical
strategies and useful tips for the school/playground environment are reviewed. Potential windows of
opportunity for building and enhancing longer-term positive social connections for persons with autism,
their families (parents, siblings) and the wider community are also identified and discussed.

AUSP 151 Making Plans and Finding Facts Across a Person’s Lifetime (15 Hours)
This course identifies available options and benefits for persons with ASD and their families and
caregivers, across the course of their lifetime. This course looks at transition points planning (early
years, youth/adolescence and adult and senior), as well as challenges in terms of long-term financial,
social and housing supports. Advocacy and self-advocacy is examined, as are the legal rights and
human rights laws in Canada. Changes in government and social policy, application procedures, and
program availability are also reviewed.

PDC: 4149/ZAUSP EdCo Approved: December 3, 2009