Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies

This degree, offered by the Autism Centre of Excellence, applies a multi-disciplinary, whole-of-life focus to autism. Our approach aligns with the neurodiversity paradigm, and we incorporate the voices of autistic and autism community in each of our courses. The course uses the lecturer content with the voices of lived experience to allow you to gain a foundation in communication and learning in autism, understand how to select and apply evidence-based practices and explore different factors and pathways to understanding and supporting behavioural challenges. This Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies is a prerequisite for the Master of Autism Studies, which is an accredited pathway to becoming a developmental educator. Developmental educators are NDIS-approved professionals who support individuals on the autism spectrum, those with other disabilities, and their families to achieve their individual developmental, social and learning goals.

The introduction and overview of autism provided in this graduate certificate covers understanding and supporting behaviours, evidence for interventions, and the changes that have occurred in understanding of ASD over time, creating positive learning environments. You'll understand the importance of each individual's profile of autism characteristics, be able to evaluate how and when these impact on learning or behaviour and be able to understand and explain relationships between family and cultural experiences with autism and critique current models of disability.

The evidence that underpins our knowledge of autism, and the various proactive and reactive strategies that are prevalent and emerging in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, is an essential part of this certificate. You will critically evaluate the research support for intervention practices that address the strengths and needs of individuals with autism and how to apply them in practice while working collaboratively with people with autism and those who work or live with them.

Learn from a combination of some of Australia's top scholars of autism, the voices of lived experience and student-peers who each have their own experience, be it lived personal or family experience or professional experience in supporting or working alongside people on the autism spectrum. The collaborative online learning environments include lecture videos, live tutorials, other video resources, discussion forums and group work, which ensures you have the opportunity to make new connections with your peers. There are also opportunities for blended learning in face-to-face sessions held on-campus in Brisbane.

You will be able to use your knowledge of the strengths and challenges of each person's autism profile to help identify if and when support or intervention may be needed, and if so, help plan and provide the support or intervention that best suits that individual's profile or preferences. You will also be well equipped to advance into leadership and specialist roles in education, health, government policy, social work and service provision for people on the autism spectrum and their families. Job outcomes can include specialist teacher, school leader, curriculum leader or consultant. You will also have the option of completing a research masters and following a career in autism research.

This degree addresses an area of acute need as determined by the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; the Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations; the Queensland Department of Education and Training; and the Queensland Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.

Study anytime, anywhere - This degree is available online through our Digital campus, giving you more room to fit university with your work and social life.

The courses in this graduate certificate may be credited towards a related graduate diploma or masters degree. Griffith's innovative Credit Precedent Database allows you to find out what credit decisions have been made in the past, which will give you an idea of what you can expect.

Educators with specialised knowledge in providing for the needs of learners with ASD are in high demand in public and private education sectors.

• Education and Training
• Public Administration and Safety
• Health Care and Social Assistance
• Administrative and Support Services

• Developmental educator (with additional study)
• Specialist teacher
• School leader
• Curriculum leader
• Consultant

*Source: Australian Government Job Outlook.

Griffith University grants credit and recognition of prior learning which may relate to prior formal learning or prior informal and non-formal learning. For more information, please visit the following website:

• Credit transfer

Griffith's innovative Credit Precedent Database allows you to find out what credit decisions have been made in the past. These precedents will give you an idea of what you can expect.

• View credit precedents for this program

To apply, add this program to your shortlist at the top of this page or apply for this program now (a maximum of three preferences is allowed).

Griffith will assess your first preference and will only assess subsequent preferences if you are not successful.

Once you have submitted your application, you will be sent an email about how to track your application.

For a full list of your incomplete or submitted applications, please view your application list.