Autism Spectrum Disorders Professional Certificate
A Post-Bachelor’s Certificate Program for Individuals Working or Living with Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Program Overview
The Chestnut Hill College School of Graduate Studies and the Chestnut Hill Autism Initiative Network (CHAIN) are proud to announce a four-course post-baccalaureate certificate to assist individuals who work or live with adults with ASD. The first cohort will begin this fall 2011 semester and complete the program the following spring 2012.
According to the latest Pennsylvania Autism Census (Lawer and Mandell), "the number of adults with autism [living in Pennsylvania] will increase dramatically in the near future, growing by 179% - from 3,800 in 2010 to more than 10,000 by 2014.” As a result, there will be a need for:
- High-level planning for thousands of children with ASD who will transition to adulthood
- Housing–requirement planning in order to accommodate the growing population of adults with ASD
- Cross-systems coordination to maximize resources each system has to offer
- Consistent data collection methods to better prepare and strategize for the current and future ASD population
- Increased education to assist professionals in their evaluation, diagnosis, education, and provision of services for their clients.
While resources and education have increased for children with ASD, in general, the adult population - both young and old - have been overlooked. Adults with ASD face challenges that include obtaining and retaining employment, accessing appropriate housing, increasing quality of life, and enjoying safe and meaningful involvement and relationships in their communities.
This program is vitally necessary to assure that both professionals and family members are knowledgeable about the unique needs of transitioning students and adults with ASD. Moreover, this program will provide the practical information and skills to assist them with the daunting challenges they face every day.
Who should participate?
- Medical Practitioners & Human Service Providers: Physicians, Physician’s Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Behavior, Occupational, & Speech Therapists and Social Workers.
- Educators: Secondary and Post-Secondary teachers and administrators, Special Education Professionals, School District Transition Coordinators, & Vocational Education Instructors
- Adult and Community Services Providers: Job and Personal Coaches, Public Housing and Public Safety Professionals, Advocates, Attorneys, Judiciary and Law Enforcement Professionals
- Parents, Family Members, and Friends of Adults with ASD
The ASD Professional Certificate courses will be offered twice monthly on Saturdays from 8:30 to 4:30. Two courses will be offered in the fall and two in the spring, which will complete the four-course sequence. Please contact Program Coordinator for tuition related information.
Federal Financial Aid (Stafford Loan) is available for accepted participants.
Admissions Process
Please submit the following:
- ASD Professional Certificate Application Form and Fee (currently $55.00 - waived if you attend an Information Session—see website for dates)
- Official Bachelor’s Degree Transcript (sealed)
- Statement of Interest
- 400-800 word essay explaining your personal and professional experience and interest in ASD. Please include what you would like to gain from this program. Please review your essay carefully prior to submission. The quality of the writing and content will be given substantial weight in the admissions decision. Include your name, the date, and ASD Professional Certificate at the top of your paper.
- Interview with Program Coordinator
Contact Info
Rosemary E. Mullaly, JD, Program Coordinator
MullalyR@chc.edu or 215.242.7734
