The University of Florida Professional Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder is designed to provide training for current and aspiring professionals in a range of fields, including social workers, nurses, physicians, policymakers, and educators, as well as family members and caregivers. Florida exceptional student education (ESE) teachers can complete the University of Florida ASD Certificate to satisfy the training requirement for the Department of Education autism endorsement. Through our program, individuals with an accredited bachelor’s degree or higher in any field can gain specialized knowledge about autism spectrum disorder and its treatment.
More than 744 million people worldwide, and 3.5 million in the U.S. — including 200,000 in Florida alone — have been diagnosed with ASD, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Persons with ASD have abilities on a spectrum from gifted to severely impaired. Whereas some individuals with ASD need assistance with daily life skills, others lead relatively or completely independent lives.
The growing awareness of ASD and the needs surrounding it are evidenced at UF, for example, by student-led organizations that support individuals with autism in the community and university-based resources designed to meet the need of students with ASD. Clients served by the University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD) include UF faculty, staff and students as well as individuals from other Florida colleges and universities.
There is a demand for professionals who are aware of the issues and needs facing these special individuals, their families and service providers. As a graduate of the UF Autism Spectrum Disorder certificate, you will be well prepared to provide services and care for individuals affected by autism spectrum disorder, whether you are an educator, interventionist, psychologist, speech pathologist, behavior analyst, other professional, or family member. Online training is a flexible, convenient way for working professionals to advance their careers.
We encourage you to take the next step in your professional career with the UF Professional Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder.