Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Autism Authorization?
- Who is required to have the Autism Authorization?
- What does this authorization allow me to do professionally?
- What are the CCTC Standards in the ASD Program and what courses address these standards at Alliant?
- How long is the program?
- Once I finish the program, how do I apply for the authorization?
What is the Autism Authorization?
The Autism Authorization is one of six Added Authorizations in Special Education (AASE)
instituted by the CTC in 2009. The authorization will allow holders of certain Education
Specialist credentials to work with K-12 students (up through age 22) with autism
spectrum disorders. The six Added Authorizations are: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD);
Deaf-Blind; Emotional Disturbance; Orthopedic Impairments; Other Health Impairments;
and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Who is required to have the Autism Authorization?
The Added Authorization in ASD is required by CTC for teachers who (1) work with students
with autism spectrum disorders; and (2) have one of the following credentials: following credentials:
- Level I or Level II Mild/Moderate credential
- Level I or Level II Deaf and Hard of Hearing credential
- Level I or Level II Visual Impairments credential
- Level I or Level II Physical and Health Impairments credential
- Old Learning Handicapped (LH), Physical Handicaps (PH), Communication Handicaps (CH), Visual Handicaps (VH) credentials (Ryan)
Teachers in the above categories do not need the Added Authorization unless they are specifically working with (or want to be qualified to work with) students with autism spectrum disorders, or if required for employment. The AASE remains valid as long as the prerequisite credential remains valid.
If you currently hold an Education Specialist in Early Childhood Special Education or Moderate/Severe, you already have training in Autism and are NOT required to obtain this new Added Authorization.
However, anyone who received their Education Specialist credential in Mild/Moderate prior to Fall 2010 AND who currently works with or is interested in working with children with Autism must complete an Added Authorization. Additionally persons with a Learning Handicapped Credential, Education Specialist in other areas must also obtain the new Added Authorization. Credential candidates entering current Preliminary Education Specialist Credentials programs do not need the Autism Authorization as their coursework will include all required competencies.
Your CTC-posted teaching credential will specifically state, if so authorized, your authorization to work with students with autism spectrum disorders.
What does this authorization allow me to do professionally?
The Autism Authorization will allow holders of Levels I and II Mild/Moderate and other
credentials to work with K-12 students (up through age 22) with autism spectrum disorders.
The Autism Spectrum Disorders added Authorization (ASDA) authorizes the holder to
conduct assessments, provide instruction, and special education related services to
individuals with a primary disability of autism as defined in subsection 300.8(c)
(1) of Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart A, across the continuum of special
education program options at the grade and age levels authorized by the prerequisite
credential required in (a) (1).
What are the CTC Standards in the ASD Program and what courses address these standards at Alliant?
- ASDAA Standard 1: Characteristics of ASD
The program provides opportunities for the candidate to be able to identify the unique characteristics of students with ASD. The candidate demonstrates unique knowledge of cognition and neurology and the core challenges associated with language and communication, social skills, behavior, and processing and their implications for program planning and service delivery. (Alliant’s EDU 6830 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders)
- ASDAA Standard 2: Teaching, Learning, and Behavior Strategies for Students with Autism
Spectrum Disorder
The program ensures that each candidate is able to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities to become proficient in implementing evidence-based and multi-faceted methodologies and strategies necessary in teaching and engaging students with ASD from acquisition through generalization. (Alliant’s EDU 6831 Advanced Strategies for Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders)
- ASDAA Standard 3: Collaborating with Other Service Providers and Families
The program will ensure that each candidate teaching students with ASD is able to demonstrate the ability to collaborate as a member of a multidisciplinary team with all service providers and effectively interact with families. (Alliant’s EDU 6832 Assessment, Behavior, and Socialization for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and EDU 6834 Collaborative Mentoring and Workshop Series)
How long is the program?
The program is a full, two-day weekend plus development of Evidentiary Portfolio for
coursework: EDU 6830, 683, and 6832 due at the end of semester of enrollment. There
are no exceptions to this time commitment.
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Once I finish the program, how do I apply for the authorization?
Once you submit your evidentiary portfolio and it is evaluated, Alliant will notify
you of the outcome and the status of your authorization recommendation/award.
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GET STARTED
- Apply Now Online
- Contact an Admissions Representative
- View Curriculum and Course Descriptions
- View Evidentiary Portfolio Requirements and Submission Instructions