Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Added Authorization

New enrollment no longer available.

This fully online program provides theoretical and research background that is necessary to fully appreciate and share the literature and research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The courses convey knowledge about the full range of current strategies and skills that parents, educators, social service professionals, therapists, and other professionals need to work effectively with students with ASD. The courses explore the characteristics, positive behavior supports, academic strategies, and effective community collaboration for students with ASD. At the conclusion of the program, each participant will assemble a portfolio of assignments from the four core courses that will reflect their unique interest in ASD, as well as the connection between ASD and the participant's professional development.

ASD Added Authorization Program Handbook

The Autism Spectrum Disorder program is designed for two different types of individuals:

California Teachers seeking an authorization

Those individuals who hold an active and valid California teaching credential and need to add the AAAS (Added Authorization Autism Spectrum) authorization on their credential. Upon completion of the program these candidates are recommend to CTC for the AAAS authorization on their credential. These candidates are not eligible to receive a UCLA Extension certificate upon completion from the program, per CTC rules.

Not all teachers qualify for the AAAS authorization on their credential. It is the responsibility of the candidate to verify with CTC if they qualify for the AAAS authorization. Review this chart (pdf) to see if your CA teaching credential qualifies for the AAAS authorization.

Professional Development Candidates seeking a certificate

The program is also designed for those who do not hold a CA teaching credential and wish to enroll in the program for professional development. Candidates living outside of the state of California may also enroll in the program for professional development. Upon successful completion of the program, these candidates are eligible to receive only a UCLA Extension certificate.

General Requirements

• Access to a computer, a valid email address, and working knowledge of basic computer applications including word processing applications, internet browsers, and email
• Access to K-12 students(s) with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Completion of orientation: 'Educating and Supporting Students with Special Needs'
• Must complete the program within 2 years

Program Completion Requirements

• Successful completion of all coursework with an overall 3.0 GPA, or higher, and a minimum of a “B” letter grade on all courses
• Completion of student-end-of-program survey
• Completion of employer-end-of-program survey (applicable only to those candidates seeking an authorization)

Course Enrollment

To be able to enroll in the courses you must:

• Complete a mandatory one-time survey, which takes no more than 5 minutes to complete. Permission to enroll in the courses will not be granted until the survey has been completed. Please complete the survey.
• Once you have completed the survey, please go online or call Student Registration to create your UCLA Extension student ID number. Your student ID number can be created when enrolling in the ASD 728.1 Orientation.
• Once you have completed the survey and enrolled into the orientation, email the program to provide us with your student ID number. During that time, we will grant you permission to enroll in the ASD courses and we will grant you permission to pay the $100 candidacy fee.
• Candidates will need to pay one of the two project codes based on their reason for going through the program:
  - TT348: Candidates who need the ASD authorization on their valid and active CA credential
  - CF584: Candidates who are taking the program for professional development and do not need an authorization

Please note: Per the Education department policy, those candidates who completed the program for an authorization recommendation on a valid and active CA credential do not qualify to receive a UCLA Extension certificate. Only those candidates who completed the program for professional development, or other reasons, qualify for a UCLA Extension certificate.

Course Waivers

To petition a course waiver for courses taken at another university or institution official transcripts, course description and course syllabus must be submitted with the program application. Submission of the documents does not guarantee that the course(s) will be waived.

Clear Education Specialist Program

Candidates accepted into an Added Authorization program must currently hold a preliminary education specialist teaching credential or be eligible for a preliminary education specialist teaching credential prior to recommendation for the Added Authorization. The Added Authorization courses may, also, be considered part of coursework for completing the Clear Education Specialist program.

Education Specialist Induction Program Booklet