Course: Diploma in Autism Studies

Diploma in Austism Studies

• Teachers/Educators
• Therapists and Professionals working with/caring for Primary/Secondary School children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Pre-Requisites

For admission into this programme, applicants are required to:

• have successfully completed and been awarded the Certificate in Autism and Higher Certificate in Autism by Autism Resource Centre (Singapore), and
• have attained the minimum qualification of Certificate in Special Education, its equivalent or GCE “O” level, and
• have at least six (6) months’ relevant experience working directly with individuals with autism, and
• be currently working with or providing services to an individual with autism, and
• continue to work with the same individual throughout the programme duration,and
• have permission from the school or organisation for programme faculty members/trainers to visit and access the participant at his/her work premises,and
• have permission to video-tape the individual whom participant is working with,and
• have access to a video camera and still camera.

The Diploma in Autism Studies (DipASD) is an advanced applied course designed for practitioners (teachers, therapists and other professionals) who work directly with individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The key differentiators of this advanced course are that it is skills-based and developed and taught by practitioners who work “hands-on” with individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. As such, we offer a unique understanding of the learning challenges faced by these individuals within the Singapore context, and most importantly, solutions to these challenges.

The diploma offers participants advanced learning in specific domain areas of positive behaviour support and communication strategies in the classroom. This course will also provide further learning opportunities in related areas such as developing knowledge and skills to work with key partners and stakeholders in a collaborative relationship.

Participants will also learn to identify key intervention goals, select and apply best practice strategies to meet learning goals of the individual with whom they are working. Participants will then be expected to translate their learning into practice during a supervised practicum project, which will require “hands-on” application by the participants while working with the individual with autism.

Topics Covered

The Diploma in Autism Studies programme consists of 3 lecture modules with a supervised practicum project.  The topics covered under each module is listed below:

1. Communication Strategies for the Classroom (36 hours):

• Application of general learning concepts/theories in Autism
• Assessment of classroom learning support needs
• Framework for developing communication strategies
• How to teach and use communication strategies
• Evaluating effectiveness of communication strategies

2. Positive Behaviour Support 2 (24 hours):

• Application of general learning theories of behaviour
• Framework for analysis of functional behaviour
• Interpretation of behavioural data
• Application of positive intervention strategies, techniques and tools

3. Effective Collaboration with Key Partners (24 hours):

• Understanding self
• Listening skills
• Managing conflicts
• Structuring and managing effective meetings

4. Teaching Practice – Practicum Project:

• Comprises 200 contact hours with individual with autism whom participant is working with (to be completed over a maximum period of 3 months)
• Will involve direct co-relation to classroom teaching or coaching
• Consists of 5 observations by ARC-appointed supervisors over a 10-week period

Objectives of The Course
 

The Diploma in Autism Studies is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. To provide skills and guidelines to enable participants to successfully assess the need for, and implement support strategies in each of the key ASD triad areas, namely: Social Interaction, Social Communication and Flexibility of Behaviour;
2. To provide a framework for the development of practical strategies for implementation in the classroom context;
3. To develop knowledge and skills to work with team members and parents in a collaborative relationship.

Trainer

Dr Lam Chee Meng 

Ms Anita Russell

Fees: 

S$3,424 per participant
S$2,424 per participant (S’poreans and S’pore PRs of S’pore VWOs)
S$2,624 per participant (Employment Pass holders of S’pore VWOs)

(Fees include 7% GST, handout materials and refreshments)