Autism Added Authorization
Registration is open for the 24-25 school year.
Click HERE to APPLY for the
AUTISM AUTHORIZATION ADDED AUTHORIZATION Program
AUTISM AUTHORIZATION ADDED AUTHORIZATION Program
WHAT IS AN AUTISM ADDED AUTHORIZATION?
The Beginning Teacher Programs is pleased to offer a path that fulfills the California requirements for the Added Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders (AAAS). The AAAS authorizes the holder to conduct assessments and provide instruction and special education related services to individuals with a primary disability of autism at the grade and age levels authorized by the prerequisite credential.
Special Education teachers in California are required to have the Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders if they are teaching students with the primary disability of autism. Teachers who hold a Moderate/Severe or Severely Handicapped credential authorization are already authorized to teach students with autism and will not need to add this authorization. Teachers holding only a Mild/Moderate credential authorization or many other K-12 special education teachers are eligible to add the AAAS to their existing credential.
Special Education teachers in California are required to have the Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders if they are teaching students with the primary disability of autism. Teachers who hold a Moderate/Severe or Severely Handicapped credential authorization are already authorized to teach students with autism and will not need to add this authorization. Teachers holding only a Mild/Moderate credential authorization or many other K-12 special education teachers are eligible to add the AAAS to their existing credential.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
LACOE's Added Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders (AAAS) program consists of three (3) courses which includes an embedded fieldwork component. The program starts in the fall and ends in the spring of the following year. Accelerated cohorts may occur at other times of the year depending on demand.
Candidates are required to attend class one evening a week (up to two in an accelerated cohort), which makes it feasible for candidates that are working. The program is currently fully online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous meeting dates.
Transcript Evaluation:
The Added Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders requires that all teachers meet the standards as outlined in the program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Once LACOE is in receipt of special education transcripts, application forms and fees ($550 - first installment**) a transcript evaluation of all special education coursework will be done to assess possible equivalencies for this 6-unit program. For consideration of equivalencies, the coursework must be equivalent to the courses offered by the LACOE AAAS program.
Course Requirements:
1. Assessment*
2. Collaboration Skills*
3. Positive Behavior Management*
4. Introduction to Autism
5. Communication and Behavior for ASD
6. Programming Strategies for ASD
* Most college and university programs already require these courses for a special education credential and most likely will be found on SPED transcripts. If not, a letter of verification form must be signed by your administrator acknowledging your competence in these areas.
LACOE's Added Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders (AAAS) program consists of three (3) courses which includes an embedded fieldwork component. The program starts in the fall and ends in the spring of the following year. Accelerated cohorts may occur at other times of the year depending on demand.
Candidates are required to attend class one evening a week (up to two in an accelerated cohort), which makes it feasible for candidates that are working. The program is currently fully online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous meeting dates.
Transcript Evaluation:
The Added Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders requires that all teachers meet the standards as outlined in the program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Once LACOE is in receipt of special education transcripts, application forms and fees ($550 - first installment**) a transcript evaluation of all special education coursework will be done to assess possible equivalencies for this 6-unit program. For consideration of equivalencies, the coursework must be equivalent to the courses offered by the LACOE AAAS program.
Course Requirements:
1. Assessment*
2. Collaboration Skills*
3. Positive Behavior Management*
4. Introduction to Autism
5. Communication and Behavior for ASD
6. Programming Strategies for ASD
* Most college and university programs already require these courses for a special education credential and most likely will be found on SPED transcripts. If not, a letter of verification form must be signed by your administrator acknowledging your competence in these areas.
COURSES
PROGRAM COST & COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Nonrefundable application and transcript evaluation fee.
$300 - Due at time of application.**
SPED 267 Introduction to Autism (1 unit)
This course is designed to provide candidates with knowledge of a range of disabilities within autism spectrum disorders and best practice methodologies, including applied behavioral analysis and sensory integration. In this course, candidates learn instructional approaches, behavior modification techniques, and therapy for students with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. Throughout this course, research-based and scientifically proven approaches are addressed.
$250 - Due at time of application.**
SPED 258 Communication and Behavior for Autism Spectrum Disorders (2 units)
Different forms of communication and their effects on behavior are evaluated, while tools to improve communication are shared. Multiple modes of communication are explored; candidates describe the strategies that they feel are most effective with their populations and explain the reasons why. The idea that effective modes of communication can change a student’s behavior and their academic progress are investigated, and multiple methods of communication are discussed. Social stories, token economy systems, schedules and transitions are explained. Their effectiveness and how they benefit the student and the entire class is assessed.
$500 - Due 2 weeks before first day of class.
SPED 259/286 Programming Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders with Fieldwork (3 units)
Candidates will be given research-based approaches to teaching students with autism as well as known effective strategies, currently approved and used by teachers in the field. These may include Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Training, visual systems, social stories, sensory activities, schedules, assessment and data collection.
*Fieldwork requires direct instruction between the teacher and at least one student whose primary disability is autism during the current school year and collected in a period of no less than 6 weeks. Without access, you will not be able to complete the added authorization.
$750 - Due 2 weeks before first day of class.
Total program cost $1,800 for 6 units. You may also pay $1800 in full at time of application.
$300 - Due at time of application.**
SPED 267 Introduction to Autism (1 unit)
This course is designed to provide candidates with knowledge of a range of disabilities within autism spectrum disorders and best practice methodologies, including applied behavioral analysis and sensory integration. In this course, candidates learn instructional approaches, behavior modification techniques, and therapy for students with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. Throughout this course, research-based and scientifically proven approaches are addressed.
$250 - Due at time of application.**
SPED 258 Communication and Behavior for Autism Spectrum Disorders (2 units)
Different forms of communication and their effects on behavior are evaluated, while tools to improve communication are shared. Multiple modes of communication are explored; candidates describe the strategies that they feel are most effective with their populations and explain the reasons why. The idea that effective modes of communication can change a student’s behavior and their academic progress are investigated, and multiple methods of communication are discussed. Social stories, token economy systems, schedules and transitions are explained. Their effectiveness and how they benefit the student and the entire class is assessed.
$500 - Due 2 weeks before first day of class.
SPED 259/286 Programming Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders with Fieldwork (3 units)
Candidates will be given research-based approaches to teaching students with autism as well as known effective strategies, currently approved and used by teachers in the field. These may include Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Training, visual systems, social stories, sensory activities, schedules, assessment and data collection.
*Fieldwork requires direct instruction between the teacher and at least one student whose primary disability is autism during the current school year and collected in a period of no less than 6 weeks. Without access, you will not be able to complete the added authorization.
$750 - Due 2 weeks before first day of class.
Total program cost $1,800 for 6 units. You may also pay $1800 in full at time of application.
