ASD Endorsement Offerings: 2024-2025 School Year
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement Program is designed to increase the level of knowledge, expertise, and understanding of educators working with K-12 students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The endorsement is intended to raise the awareness of the unique characteristics, emotional/social needs, and other challenges and issues related to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and its range of pervasive developmental disorders that adversely affect functioning and result in the need for specially designed instruction and related services. It is designed to foster an understanding of policies and guidelines to ensure implementation of appropriate curriculum, differentiation, strategies, educational intervention, and support for this diverse population.
FDLRS Heartland's free ASD Endorsement Courses offered locally will be taught by Cathy Gonzalez, an ESE Specialist and Autism Coach. You will have mandatory virtual "face-to-face" meetings combined with online assignments, quizzes, and/or discussions on the Moodle platform. You must complete all coursework and submit your evaluation by the course end dates listed with each course in order to receive inservice credit.
There are three modules (80 hours each) in the Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement which cover assessment, diagnosis, behavior analysis, positive behavior supports, assistive technology, communication systems, and field experience (embedded in each course). Participants must complete all three modules. Please see below for course descriptions and registration information.
Participants should verify with their school district that ASD Endorsement courses are in the District's Professional Learning Catalog, that the courses have been approved by the district, and are eligible for points. Please be advised that an endorsement is a rider on a valid Florida teaching certificate with another subject coverage. It cannot stand alone on the certificate. It is important to note that this add-on endorsement can only be added to your professional certification in conjunction with certification in any exceptional student education area.
DeSoto, Glades, and Hendry counties: Use the Registration button below.
Highlands county: You must register in your Highlands PLM Portal and search for the title of the course (some registrations may not be available yet).
ASD Registration
Nature and Needs, Assessment, and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders with Field Experience
- Course Dates: August 5 through November 1, 2024 (11 weeks)
- Inservice Points: 80 Hours
- Instructor: Cathy Gonzalez
- Description: Participants will be able to identify characteristics associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders(ASD), demonstrate an understanding of current trends and research-based methodologies used to create appropriate instructional programs for these students, and become familiar with formal and informal assessments used for diagnosis and instructional planning.
- Meetings: The first virtual meeting will be August 5, 2024 at 5:00PM. Participants will receive instructions the week prior.
- Deadline to Register: August 1, 2024
- Course Flyer
Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders with Field Experience
- Course Dates: November 4, 2024 through February 7, 2025 (11 weeks)
- Inservice Points: 80 Hours
- Instructor: Cathy Gonzalez
- Description: This course provides participants with an understanding of how applied behavior analysis principles pertain to individuals with ASD, including implementation associated with teaching various skills and supporting behavior in educational settings. The functional assessment of problem behavior as well as proactive and preventative methods for addressing problem behavior will be addressed. In addition, evidence-based instructional strategies to develop communication, social, self-help, and academic skills will be emphasized and linked to behavioral needs.
- Meetings: The first virtual meeting will be November 4, 2024 at 5:00PM. Participants will receive instructions the week prior.
- Deadline to Register: November 1, 2024
Augmentative/Alternative Communication Systems and Assistive/Instructional Technology for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders with Field Experience
- Course Dates: TBA (11 weeks)
- Inservice Points: 80 Hours
- Instructor: Cathy Gonzalez
- Description: Participants will be able to describe and analyze communication needs, design strategies to facilitate intervention, and demonstrate an understanding of various communication interventions for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders; including AAC/AT. Participants will understand the importance of transition planning for students with ASD.
- Meetings: The first virtual meeting will be TBA at 5:00PM. Participants will receive instructions the week prior.
- Deadline to Register: TBA
