Autism and Behavioural Science AUT

Holland Code: S (Social)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see the website for details.

General requirements

• This is a graduate certificate program meaning applicants need to be graduates with a college diploma in Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Education, Social Service Worker, or Developmental Services Worker program.  Also acceptable is a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Psychology, Sociology, Education, or Social work.
• A background in basic math and graphing are helpful, as data collection and graphing is required in the program.
• The ability to understand and critically analyze peer-reviewed, single-subject research is a must concerning the field of developmental disabilities and Applied Behaviour Analysis.
• Moderate computer skills needed including knowledge of Apple iPads, Microsoft 7, PowerPoint, Excel, and use of the internet.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Want to “make a difference” in the lives of children, youth, and adults
• Interact with people in a non-judgmental manner
• Ability to work on a team, collaborate, and problem-solve interpersonal situations
• Outgoing, positive, assertive, and confident
• Able to multi-task, juggle multiple demands, and handle stress
• Ability to take evidence-based, scientific concepts, and apply and collect data while working with individuals
• Determined, passionate, and motivated
• Able to work with multiple challenging behaviours and social skill difficulties
• Listen well, socialize; interact, able to make decisions confidently
• Adaptable to change:  flexibility or ability to adapt to changing environment/able to deal with uncertainty and changing situations
• The desire, ability, and maturity required to engage in intense therapeutic relationships with children, youth, adults, and families
• Know how to utilize resources to help manage personal emotional health

Useful background experience for this program would be

• Volunteered with people with disabilities
• Worked at a children’s organization and or social service agency
• Worked with families and individuals with developmental disabilities in leisure settings, respite work, etc.
• Cooperative placement for high school that focused on working with individuals with disabilities, child care, respite care, day and/or residential camp counsellor, a leader in training

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become an

Instructor Therapist; Private provider of Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI); Autism Specialist in a service agency or school board; or Educational Assistant.

Places you may find yourself employed include …

Family homes, therapy agencies (in-home/private & centre-based), school boards, social services agencies, or adult agencies.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Direct contact with individuals with disabilities and autism across the lifespan and families
• Shift work
• Manage aggressive behaviours and may be required to use physical restraint interventions in situations involving clear and imminent risk
• Working in multiple environments, including centres, child care centres, family homes
• Many jobs require a vehicle to get from location to location

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• One-on-one therapy with individuals with autism or developmental disabilities
• Running groups for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities
• Supporting school accommodations, modifications, and programming
• Utilizing an iPad to assist individuals with functional communication, social skills, and independent life skills
• Supporting behaviour reduction programs to decrease challenging behaviour
• Researching and implementing research-based programs and taking follow-up data to measure success

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• If the graduate currently holds a bachelor’s degree, they may apply to complete certifications for the Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA) qualifications
• Ontario Association for Applied Behaviour Analysis (ONTABA)
• Council for Exceptional Children
• Association for Applied Behaviour Analysis International (ABAI)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development

• Graduates may apply for advanced entrance into  the Fanshawe College Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership degree or Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology degree
• Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree can apply to the Masters in Applied Behaviour Analysis programs at Brock University or Western
• Fanshawe is currently negotiating with the University of Waterloo regarding an articulation agreement (ability to transfer credits).

Last Modified: January 11, 2024