Rosemary E. Mullaly, JD, Program Coordinator 

MullalyR@chc.edu or 215.242.7734. 

Rosemarie Manfredi, PsyD.  Faculty and Curriculum Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Psychology manfredir@chc.edu  or 215.242.7702.  

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. Beginning with the Fall 2013 cohort, all courses within the ASD certificate program will be offered in a fully online format. 

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?

Among others, the following:

• 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 

General Information 

Starting with the Fall 2013 cohort, the ASD Professional Certificate courses will be offered in a fully online format. Each course will run for 8 weeks. The first two courses will be offered in the fall (ASDP 510 and 520) and the next two in the spring (ASDP 530 and 540), which will complete the four-course sequence. 

All courses are three credits with an option to be graded or taken as pass/fail. Courses are not designed for transfer, but may be transferrable to certain degree programs. Tuition is $5000 for the entire 4-course sequence.  

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  
   

Rosemary E. Mullaly, JD -- mullalyr@chc.edu or 215.242.7734. 

Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders       3 credits 

Provides a basic understanding of the current research into ASDs across the lifespan with an emphasis on adolescence and adulthood. Reviews the history of ASDs and current literature into its neuropsychological aspects, incidence, prevalence, and manifestations. (New course Fall 2011.) 

Course 2- Fall II  

ASDP  520 

Interventions & Accommodations for Adolescents & Adults with ASD      3 credits 

Reviews the research into interventions effective for addressing ASD, emphasizing evidence-based therapies and treatments for adolescents and adults. Participants will learn to critically evaluate research and use of various interventions and treatments. (New course Fall 2011.) 

Course 3 – Spring I 

ASDP 530 

Maximizing Independent Living Skills for Adolescents and Adults with ASD       3 credits 

Addresses the issues relevant to independent living including transition and post-secondary educational options, vocational training and employment, housing, meaningful and safe community involvement, and improving life skills and functional independence. An emphasis will be placed on individual differences and the development of individualized programs and interventions. 

 
Course 4 – Spring II 

ASDP 540 

Quality of Life and Family Issues for Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders        3 credits 

Reviews quality of life issues for adolescents and adults with ASD as well as their family members. Topics will include social skills development with an emphasis on sexuality and relationships. Family issues include legal and financial decisions, self-care for caregivers, and individuals with ASDs as spouses and parents.  Course also offers guidance and guidelines for ASD advocacy.