About

In the United States alone, about 1 in 54 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder every year. 

The autism community needs more people who understand and are trained to help those on the spectrum succeed personally and professionally.

Our intensive online Autism Awareness class can be your first step to making a difference.

You will learn how to:

• Understand the spectrum and identity where a person fits along it
• Recognize the characteristics of autism, including how to identify signs of autism in infants through adults
• Create a plan for managing behavioral, functional and educational hurdles
• Prepare strategies to create a positive environment in the classroom and community

Requirements

International Open Academy courses are designed for anyone with an interest in learning. No formal qualifications are required to study with us. Our courses are suitable if you want to learn new skills, start a new career, or if you’re already working in a particular industry and wish to upgrade your talents and enhance your resume.

Lessons

Module 1: Understanding The Spectrum

• What is autism?
• Myths
• Analyzing the spectrum
• Learning disabilities
• Social and emotional development

Module 2: The Autistic Environment

• The new model of autism
• Autism spectrum disorders rising
• Toxic body burden
• The government’s role

Module 3: What Causes Autism?

• Is autism caused by nature or nurture?
• Identifying early signs of autism
• Identifying autism in adults
• How does autism affect genders differently?

Module 4: Autistic Behavior

• How autistic behavior can be challenging
• Child behavior and how to identify autism
• Theory of Mind
• Addressing child behavior

Module 5: Conducting A Functional Autism Assessment

• FBA
• Methods
• Descriptive vs. experimental
• Cautions needed before performing an FBA
• Analyzing the data

Module 6: Autism In The Classroom

• Inclusion and proper placement
• Accommodations
• Differentiated instruction
• Individualized educational plans
• Monitoring success

Module 7: Creating A Positive Support Plan

• Event strategies
• Antecedent strategies
• Behavior teaching strategies
• Consequence strategies
• Prevention
• Redirection
• Reinforcement and punishment
• Extinction
• Safety

Module 8: Aging And Long-term Care

• Aging out crisis
• Functioning in society as an adult
• Support systems
• Consultations and legal documents
• Housing options
• Emergency preparedness

Module 9: Medication

• Anxiety and depression
• Behavioral problems
• Seizures
• Inattention and hyperactivity

Module 10: Community Living And Supports

• Family support
• Physical home modifications
• Early intervention programs
• In-home and out-of-home care
• After-school programs
• Behavioral therapy 

Career

Who is this course for

• Everyone with a loved one, friend or colleague on the spectrum 
• All educators and school staff who want to build an inclusive learning environment 
• Anyone who wishes to become an advocate for the autistic community, no matter what field they are in

Career path

• Assist children on the spectrum at school, daycare or during extracurricular activities
• Continue working with the autistic community by going on to become a social worker, therapist or counselor
• Start pursuing a career as a special needs teacher

Certification

You will be required to complete each lesson in full, and answer exams at the end of each course module. If your pass rate exceeds 55% on each exam then you will receive a certificate of completion, to recognize your achievement. You can immediately download your PDF course certificate from IOA.

Most of our courses will earn you credits through Continuing Education (CE) / Continuing Professional Development (CPD). CE/CPD points are accepted and recognized by professional member bodies and academic institutions across the US and internationally.

All courses are accredited by the International Council for Online Educational Standards (www.icoes.org).  When successfully completing a course, students can choose to purchase an ICOES certificate that recognizes the achievement, from this third-party institution.