Published May 28, 2009
Written By Grace Chen
According to the Autism Society of America (ASA), the number of diagnosed autistic children in the United States has been growing significantly in the last several decades.
In fact, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, their 2007 study confirmed that approximately 1 out of every 150 children will be diagnosed with autism. This rise in cases adds to the nearly 1.5 million Americans who are currently coping with the effects of autism spectrum disorder.
Due to the rising need of autism support, community colleges have created a variety of autism training programs to help students specialize in helping autistic children. As ASA supports, “The spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.”
What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is a highly complex developmental disability that typically influences how a child thinks, behaves, and interprets various interactions. Labeled as a “spectrum disorder,” autism has an incredibly vast range of symptoms and signals.
Typically, children with autism will begin to show signs of this disorder within the first three years of their lives. Since autism is not a short term condition, but a lifetime component of a child’s life and thinking process, there is no quick cure for this disorder.
Furthermore, since scientists are unsure as to what the exact cause of autism really is, experts assert that parents with autistic children must work with their unique child’s needs and abilities in order to help them to become as highly functional as possible. While autistic children are often remarkably intelligent, some signs of autistic symptoms and struggles typically include:
- A delayed use of language / inability to communicate effectively
- Repetitive language and actions / motions
- Lack of consistent eye contact
- Disinterest in personal relationships / friendships
- Lack of spontaneous or creative play
- Obsession / fixation with parts / mechanics of objects
Community College Autism Certification Programs
To help schools, community institutions, and even individual families with their specific autistic children’s needs, students can partake in a variety of classes and hands on experiences to gain a greater awareness and knowledge of autism.
For example, New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI), located in Concord, is one of the many institutions providing a variety of autism-based courses. The NHTI Autism Early Intervention Specialist Certificate program works in conjunction with the Child and Family Services department to provide students with the most optimal training and experience. Learning how to help autistic children ranging from birth to the age of 8, students will work with trans-disciplinary teams to gain information on the development of autistic children, the services that are required, and the techniques that are most effective for support. Courses included in the NHTI autism program include:
- Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Child, Family, and Community
- Preparing for Practicum
- Infant / Toddler Development and Programming
- Teaching Young Children with Special Needs
Along with a list of many other courses, graduates of the NHTI program will be prepared to obtain employment upon earning their degree. Furthermore, by completing the required courses for the Autism Early Intervention Specialist Certificate program, students will have met the guidelines to hold a New Hampshire’s Associate Teacher license (level 4).
Additional Community College Venues
Adding to the many autistic certification and training programs available at community colleges across the country, many institutions are also hosting autism-based workshops.
For example, Herkimer Community College, located in New York, provides both students and local community members with various workshops to find out more information about research studies and breakthroughs. The topic of one workshop focused on the potential influences of diet as a factor that can trigger certain symptoms of autism. With a discussion focusing on non-invasive dietary tips that can help decrease some children’s symptoms of autism, participants learn about new theories behind explorative treatment measures in these workshops.
Sadly, the number of children diagnosed with autism is expected to grow each year. To help this growing population, you can expand your knowledge and skill set at your local community college.
Resources:
New Hampshire Technical Institute, available at http://www.nhti.edu/academics/academicprograms/certautism.html
The Autism Society of America, available at http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_home
Herkimer Community College, available at http://www.herkimer.edu/news/?id=176
Read Related Courses in College Articles:
- Career Socialites Rejoice in Event Planning Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about how you can turn your passion for parties into a career through event planning courses at your local community college. - Graduate Early and Save Money by Testing Out of Community College Classes
Learn about how you can save thousands in tuition costs by testing out of community college classes. - The Benefits of Earning Honors Credit at Your Community College
Learn about the many benefits associated with taking honors courses at your local community college and what you should expect in these rigorous classes. - Community College Curriculum: Drastically Changed by Today's Economy
Learn about how today's economy has impacted community college curriculum, increased occupational programs, and grown specific career-preparation courses. - How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career. - Why You Should Earn Your Teacher Certification in Community College
If you are planning on earning your teaching certificate, consider attending community college as an affordable and cost-effective way to garner your certification. - How to Prepare for a Career in Electronic Health Records at Your Community College
Healthcare reforms will demand changes in healthcare facilities, including the usage of electronic health records. Learn how you can get a jump start in this field by pursuing a program at your local community college. - A Rewarding, Recession-Proof Nursing Career Starts at Community College
Nursing remains a highly rewarding career that will remain not only in demand, but recession-proof. Learn about how to begin your nursing career at community college. - Polish Your Job Candidacy with an Ethics Business Course
Learn about business ethics courses offered at community colleges and how the curriculum can enhance your job candidacy and resume. - Want to Lose Weight? How Your Community College Can Help
If you are looking to shed extra weight, your best source of support may be your community college. Learn about dieting programs, support groups, and even classes to help you get healthy. - How Community College Classes Can Improve Your Marriage
Community college workshops and credit courses are improving marriages across the country. Learn about how you can take advantage of these great resources at your local community college. - Culinary Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about highly acclaimed culinary programs at community colleges. - Calling All Entrepreneurs! How Community Colleges Can Help You Start Your Business
Learn about the courses and resources available at your community college that can help you start the business of your dreams. - Happier Families Start at Community College Parenting Courses
Your local community college is an excellent resource for free parenting classes. Take advantage of the learning opportunities and give your baby the best start in life. - Cosmetology Programs in Community Colleges
Learn about cosmetology programs in community colleges. - Should You Become a Paralegal in a Recession?
Learn about the opportunities you have to become a paralegal through community college courses, and why this is a recession-proof profession. - How to Become an Emergency Technician Quickly and Affordably
Learn about community college programs that can help you become certified as an emergency technician affordably and expeditiously. - Green Community College Programs Grow Red Hot
Learn about "green" educational opportunities in high-demand environmental fields that can start right at your local community college. - Renewable Energy Creates Opportunities for Community College Students
Learn how community colleges are evolving to provide opportunities in the growing fields of renewable energy. - Earn Your Scuba Diving Certification at Your Local Community College
Learn about how students and community members can earn their scuba certification through quality community college courses. - Fine Tune Your Vocals through Community College Singing Classes
Those with the gift of song can take their singing to the next level with classes at community college. Learn about the courses offered at community college that can help prepare you for a singing career. - From AM to FM: How Community College Can Prepare You for a Radio Career
Take advantage of career opportunities in the field of radio broadcasting by starting your training at your local community college. - How to Start Your Aquarium Science Career at Community College
If you are interested in the mysteries of the deep or marine life, consider pursuing an aquarium science career. Through innovative programs, community college students can embark upon an educational pathway in marine and aquarium based sciences. - How to Go Organic at Community College
Learn about how community colleges across the nation are offering organic gardening classes, as well as opportunities to grow your own organic crops! - Whistling All Animal Lovers! Pursuing an Animal Service Career at Community College
Learn about how courses and training at your local community college can open the doors to a fulfilling animal care and service career. - Impress the Best with Business Etiquette
Take advantage of your local community college's business etiquette courses, which can help you stand out from the candidate crowd upon graduation. - Could a Career in Welding Technology Solidify Your Financial Future?
Whether you have technical or creative skills, a career in welding technology can be rewarding and lucrative. Learn how you can start a welding career right at your local community college. - Race to Your Community Colleges New Auto Program
Take advantage of your local community college's auto program, which can prepare you for a lucrative career in the industry. In addition, you may have the potential to earn while you learn! - How to Dance Towards a College Degree
Learn about how you can pursue a rewarding dance career by starting at your local community college. Whether you are a dancer or aspire to be a choreographer, your community college may be a fantastic starting point. - A Dazzling Degree: How to Pursue Jewelry Design at Your Local Community College
Learn about the dazzling jewelry programs and certificates that are avaialble at your local community college campus. - Fashion Careers Start at Community College Runways
Learn about how you can embark upon a fashion career starting with the fashion design, merchandising and buying courses available at local community colleges. - Blast Off for Space Studies in Community College!
Learn about the space studies programs offered through community colleges that can prepare you for an engaging career with NASA or private space companies. - Sail Your Way Through Community College
Consider a career on the high seas and learn from sailing and seamanship programs available at your local community college. - How to Earn a College Degree Drinking Wine
If you enjoy wine, learn more about how you can earn a college degree in winemaking and wine tasting at your local community college. - Earn Your Film Degree At Community College
Learn about how you can pursue a degree and career in the entertainment industry by starting at your local community college. - Community College Air Force Programs
Learn more about the opportunities available through the Community College Air Force Program, and how the degrees may benefit your future service career. - Studio Art Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about the excellent traditional and modern art programs available at your local community college campus. - More than Mozart: Community College Music Programs
Learn about the new and dynamic music programs available at community colleges that explore more than just music theory. - Theater Opportunities at Community Colleges
Learn more about the powerful acting and theater programs available at your local community college. - Foreign Language Courses & Careers
Learn about the foreign language courses and career opportunities offered by community colleges. - Theology Programs in Community College: Pursuing Studies in Religion
Learn how you can pursue your career in religion and service through theology programs available through your local community college. - Why Community Colleges are Cutting Friday Classes
Learn about how budgetary constraints are prompting community colleges to only offer four-day school weeks.
All Categories:
Featured Partners:
