Requirements for the Adult Services and Behavioral Gerontology Certificate
(12-13 credits)
Admission Requirements
To be admitted into the certificate program, students must meet one of the following conditions:
- You are a current master's program student and have completed PSY 509; or
- You are a professional returning for continuing education and are a BCaBA, BCBA, BCBA-D in good standing.
Course List Code Title Credits Required Courses: PSY 540 Aging, Health, and Behavioral Gerontology in Autism 3 PSY 541 Employment and Vocational Skills for Adults with Autism 3 PSY 542 Support Services, Habilitation, and Independent Living for Adults with Autism 3 PSY 543 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis for Adults with Autism 3-4 Total Credits 12-13
Courses and Descriptions
PSY 540 Aging, Health, and Behavioral Gerontology in Autism 3 Credits
The course provides an overview of adult lifespan development, aging in the autism population, physical and mental health issues for adults with autism, and recent research in behavioral gerontology. Students will have the opportunity to practice reviewing, discussing, and interpreting research methodology, results, and potential areas for future research. This course is part of the Adult Services and Behavioral Gerontology sequence designed to prepare graduate students and behavior analysts for careers focused on serving adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Prerequisite(s): PSY 509 or concurrent enrollment or BCaBA or BCBA certified professionals in good standing.
PSY 541 Employment and Vocational Skills for Adults with Autism 3 Credits
This course will provide an overview of the skills and competencies that influence the acquisition and maintenance of competitive employment for adults with developmental disabilities. Topics will include vocational planning, the importance of choice when selecting employment opportunities, social competence on the job, the development and implementation of support strategies, programming for the generalization and maintenance of work behavior, fading supervision and support, and collaborating with parents, family members, co-workers, and employers. Students will use information obtained from lectures and reading assignments to design and write individualized programs addressing employment and life-skills for adults with disabilities. This course is part of the Adult Services and Behavioral Gerontology sequence designed to prepare graduate students and behavior analysts for careers focused on serving adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Prerequisite(s): PSY540.
PSY 542 Support Services, Habilitation, and Independent Living for Adults with Autism 3 Credits
This course covers 1) extant services and resources for adolescents and adults with ASD, 2) supervision, management, and training of support staff who work with adults with ASD, and 3) assessment and teaching of skills adults with ASD need to live independent, self-sufficient, and fulfilling lives. Throughout the course we pay special attention to issues surrounding personal liberties, choice making, and self determination. Students will have the opportunity to navigate support services, propose empirical research focused on training staff using Behavioral Skills Training, and construct individualized skill acquisition programs. This course is part of the Adult Services and Behavioral Gerontology sequence designed to prepare graduate students and behavior analysts for careers focused on serving adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Prerequisite(s): PSY 540.
PSY 543 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis for Adults with Autism 3-4 Credits
This course is part of the Adult Services and Behavioral Gerontology sequence designed to prepare graduate students and behavior analysts for careers focused on serving adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Students will have frequent, direct, onsite supervision of behavior analytic activities in settings for adults with autism. Students will have the opportunity to apply the skills acquired in coursework.