Contents
Cal Poly Pomona

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Added Authorization & Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders

General Information

Required Coursework for AASE-ASD

Planned Course Schedule

Registration Information

Requests for Equivalency Based on Coursework from Another University

Applying for the Added Authorization

Frequently Asked Questions about the Added Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders

General Information

Cal Poly’s AASE in ASD was approved by CTC in 2010. There are three required courses, all of which are offered online only. Each course requires 5 hours of fieldwork with students with autism disorders.

The Autism Authorization will allow holders of Levels I and II Mild/Moderate and other credentials to work with K-12 students (up through age 22) with autism spectrum disorders. The Added Authorization in ASD is required by CTC for teachers who (1) work with students with autism spectrum disorders; and (2) have any of the following credentials:

  1. Level I or Level II Mild/Moderate credential
  2. Level I or Level II Deaf and Hard of Hearing credential
  3. Level I or Level II Visual Impairments credential
  4. Level I or Level II Physical and Health Impairments credential
  5. Old Learning Handicapped (LH), Physical Handicaps (PH), Communication Handicaps (CH), Visual Handicaps (VH) credentials (Ryan)

Teachers in the above categories do not need the Added Authorization unless they are specifically working with (or want to be qualified to work with) students with autism spectrum disorders, or if required for employment. The AASE remains valid as long as the prerequisite credential remains valid. Note: Teachers who do not have any of the credentials listed above are not authorized by CTC to earn the Added Authorization. However, you are most welcome to take any or all of the courses, and you may earn a Certificate of Completion (issued by Cal Poly Pomona) upon satisfactory completion of all three courses.

Credential candidates entering the new Preliminary Education Specialist Credentials programs (beginning at Cal Poly Pomona in Fall, Winter, 2012) will not need the Autism Authorization, because their coursework will include all required competencies.

Required Coursework for AASE-ASD


Cal Poly’s AASE in ASD was approved by CTC in 2010. There are three required courses, all of which are Graduate courses and offered online only. Each course requires 5 hours of fieldwork with students with autism disorders. Please note that each of these courses is 4 units of graduate credit. As such, each entails a significant amount of work including textbook readings, discussion boards, online assignments, collaborative work (for EDS 526) and video projects (for EDS 532). It is strongly recommended that students DO NOT take all three courses at the same time. EDS 531 (Introduction to ASD) is a pre-requisite or co-requisite for EDS 532 and EDS 526.

  • EDS 531 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
    Definitions and characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Incidence and prevalence trends. Characteristics associated with language/communication, cognition/neurology, social skills, and behavior. Implications for program planning and service delivery. Includes field experience. Required course for the Added Authorization in Special Education – Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  • EDS 532 Teaching Students with ASD
    Theory and application of evidence-based instructional strategies, curricular modifications, and practices for students with autism spectrum disorders. Assessment strategies and implications for program decisions. Expanded technological supports and inclusive teaching strategies. Supervised field experience in classroom settings. Required course for the Added Authorization in Special Education – Autism Spectrum Disorders. Prerequisite: EDS 531.
  • EDS 526 Home/School/Community Collaboration in Special Education
    Theoretical models and applications for planning and implementing collaborative school partnerships with teachers, families, paraprofessionals, related services personnel, and outside agencies for students with disabilities. Case management policies and practices. Transition planning in special education across the lifespan. Includes field experience. Prerequisite: EDS 531.

Planned Course Schedule

All 3 courses are offered every quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer), provided there is sufficient enrollment. Please go to the Extended University website for additional information and to register for courses.

Registration Information

All courses are offered only through the College of the Extended University (CEU) and open to all students. University admission is not required to register for or complete the AASE-ASD. All students should register through the College of the Extended University (909-869-2288).

Requests for Equivalency Based on Coursework from Another University

Transcript evaluations of courses in autism taken from another university will be considered for students requesting to waive a Cal Poly Pomona Autism Authorization course and substitute a course taken from another university. Students must complete the Course Equivalency Request form, available from the Credential Services Office (Bldg. 5, Rm. 228) or website. Students may request equivalency for only one course; only one course substitution is allowed. The course should closely match the description and learning outcomes of the Cal Poly course. Attach a copy of transcripts along with a copy of the catalog course description for the year taken. Submit these materials to the Credential Services Office.


Applying for the Added Authorization

Upon satisfactory completion of all courses, students will receive a Certificate. Qualified students may also earn the Added Authorization in Autism Spectrum Disorders; see above for information on which credentials may require the AA. Candidates who wish to apply for the Added Authorization should contact the Cal Poly Credential Services Office (909-869-2300; Bldg. 5-228) for the application.