Higher Education Certificate/Coursework Recognition Program Overview: To encourage and recognize efforts towards exemplary training, the Virginia Autism Council is offering recognition of college and university certificate programs that provide comprehensive training and experiences in the field of autism spectrum disorders. Those institutions seeking recognition of certificate programs must submit a completed "Recognition of a Comprehensive Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders" application. The application can be found at the bottom of this page. The Virginia Autism Council will recognize those certificate programs that are aligned with the Skill Competencies for Paraprofessionals and Professionals Serving Individuals with Autism across the Lifespan. The Virginia Autism Council recognizes the value of research to practice and has outlined a series of requirements that will lead to recognition of a comprehensive certificate program. Requirements include: 1) instruction on 80% or more of the knowledge and skill statements included in the Skill Competencies document, 2) incorporation of 9-12 credit hours, and 3) inclusion of field experiences totaling a minimum of 15 hours. These experiences may include observations, practicum, and internships. In addition to the certificate program, the Virginia Autism Council will also recognize general overview courses in autism spectrum disorders provided by institutes of higher education that do not offer a certificate program. General overview courses must provide instruction on 80% or more of the General Autism Competencies found in the Skill Competencies Document. Those institutions seeking recognition of general overview courses must submit a completed "Recognition of a General Overview Course in Autism Spectrum Disorders" application. The application can be found at the bottom of this page. All recognized certificate programs and overview courses will be listed on the website. Tuition reimbursement is available for up to three courses per year for eligible students participating in these training endeavors. Please note, beginning in June of 2008, tuition reimbursement will be available only for certificate programs and general overview courses in autism spectrum disorders that have been recognized under this new protocol. Colleges and universities with previously approved coursework in autism spectrum disorders must reapply by this deadline in order for courses to be eligible for tuition reimbursement and be listed on the website. Please e-mail us with any questions you may have about the Virginia Autism Council certificate/coursework recognition program.

Resource Files

Application-Recognition of a Comprehensive Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders  (Revised: August 21, 2007)

Application-Recognition of a General Overview Course in Autism Spectrum Disorders  (Revised: August 21, 2007)