Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies

Deepen your understanding of Autism.

This degree, offered by the Autism Centre of Excellence, applies a multi-disciplinary, whole-of-life focus to autism. Our approach aligns with the neurodiversity paradigm, and we incorporate the voices of autistic and autism community in each of our courses. The course uses the lecturer content with the voices of lived experience to allow you to gain a foundation in communication and learning in autism, understand how to select and apply evidence-based practices and explore different factors and pathways to understanding and supporting behavioural challenges. This Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies is a prerequisite for the Master of Autism Studies, which is an accredited pathway to becoming a developmental educator. Developmental educators are an NDIS approved profession for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to achieve their individual developmental, social and learning goals.

The introduction and overview of autism provided in this graduate certificate covers understanding and supporting behaviours, evidence for interventions, and the changes that have occurred in understanding of autism over time, creating positive learning environments. You'll understand the importance of each individual's profile of autism characteristics, be able to evaluate how and when these impact on learning or behaviour and be able to understand and explain relationships between family and cultural experiences with autism and critique current models of disability.

The evidence that underpins our knowledge of autism, and the various proactive and reactive strategies that are prevalent and emerging in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, is an essential part of this certificate. You will critically evaluate the research support for intervention practices that address the strengths and needs of autistic individuals and how to apply them in practice while working collaboratively with autistic people and those who work or live with them.

Industry and expert connections

Learn from a combination of some of Australia's top scholars of autism, the voices of lived experience and student-peers who each have their own experience, be it lived personal or family experience or professional experience in supporting or working alongside people on the autism spectrum. The collaborative online learning environments include lecture videos, live tutorials, other video resources, discussion forums and group work, which ensures you have the opportunity to make new connections with your peers.

Graduate outcomes

You will be able to use your knowledge of the strengths and challenges of each person's autism profile to help identify if and when support or intervention may be needed, and if so, help plan and provide the support or intervention that best suits that individual's profile or preferences. You will also be well equipped to advance into leadership and specialist roles in education, health, government policy, social work and service provision for people on the autism spectrum and their families. Job outcomes can include specialist teacher, school leader, curriculum leader or consultant. You will also have the option of completing a research masters and following a career in autism research.

This degree addresses an area of acute need as determined by the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; the Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations; the Queensland Department of Education and Training; and the Queensland Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.

Flexibility

Study anytime, anywhere - This degree is available online through our Digital campus, giving you more room to fit university with your work and social life.

Pursue further study

The courses in this graduate certificate may be credited towards a related graduate diploma or masters degree. Griffith's innovative Credit Precedent Database allows you to find out what credit decisions have been made in the past, which will give you an idea of what you can expect.

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Autism studies you must have:

• a recognised Bachelors degree (or higher) in any discipline OR
• 5 years full time work experience in a relevant field OR
• a personal statement describing how your lived experience of autism has prepared and motivated your for undertaking postgraduate studies in autism (e.g., courses attended, books or articles read, presentations, groups you actively contribute to)

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

Educators with specialised knowledge in providing for the needs of autistic learners are in high demand in public and private education sectors.

Key employment sectors

• Education and Training
• Public Administration and Safety
• Health Care and Social Assistance
• Administrative and Support Services

Potential job outcomes

• Developmental educator (with additional study)
• Specialist teacher
• School leader
• Curriculum leader
• Consultant

*Source: Australian Government Job Outlook.