The Autism and Behavioural Science (Postgraduate) program focuses on autism spectrum disorders and therapies, mainly applied behaviour analysis (ABA), with a primary application for children and adolescents. You will gain practical experience working with treatment teams.
Full Description
The one-year Autism and Behavioural Science (Postgraduate) (C405) program was developed in response to the growing public concern about services for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
It was designed to deepen the expertise in the field of autism and behavioural sciences for application within the children’s sector and simultaneously create a pool of qualified individuals to meet the needs of service agencies that provide autism or children’s services.
This program enables graduates with university degrees and graduates of early childhood education, social service worker, child and youth care, developmental service worker and similar programs to acquire the specialized skills and expertise they need to work with individuals with a diagnosis of autism.
Autism and Behavioural Science students learn about:
autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
intervention methods, including Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI)
applied behaviour analysis (ABA) theory (e.g., operant conditioning)
working with families and treatment teams
relevant legislation
Note: Field education may require travel due to the number of opportunities for appropriate placements within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Students may be required to travel to locations as far east as Oshawa, as far west as Burlington and as far north as Vaughan.
Recommended Skills and Aptitudes
Consider this career path if these terms describe you:
caring
tenacious
analytic
detail-oriented
Autism and Behavioural Science Program Features
Full-time and part-time faculty who have extensive experience in ABA, IBI and ASD
Well-established relationships with agencies providing services for individuals with a diagnosis of autism
Your Field Education Options
George Brown’s Autism and Behavioural Science program has been designed to provide students with meaningful hands-on experiences within settings where students could ultimately find work.
In semester 1, the field placement experience is three weeks long. During that time, students will visit an agency partner (e.g., ABA centre, school, residential home, daycare setting, etc.) to observe an individual with autism.
During semester 2, field placement is seven weeks long. Students will go to an agency partner where they will not only observe an individual with autism, but will be required to identify a target behaviour and develop a treatment plan accordingly.
Requirements
Completion of a three-year or four-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree (no specific major, though a major in psychology, or related discipline, is highly recommended*).
Or a two-year or three-year diploma in a human services discipline (a major in psychology is recommended*).
It is recommended that related degrees/diplomas include at least one or more psychology course(s).
* Please note: This program has a strong focus on behaviour change and behavioural sciences, so some previous psychology-related education is highly recommended in order to be successful in the program.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please note: For admissions purposes, some programs require a higher score than the minimum stated below.
language proficiency Testing Program
Diploma/Certificate
Programs
Postgraduate Programs and Fast-track/ Bridges**
GBC Degree Programs*
George Brown English for Academic (EAP) Program
Level 8
Level 9
Level 9
IELTS (Academic)
6.0, minimum 5.5 in each skill band
6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill band
6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill band
TOEFL
80 (online) minimum 20 in each skill band
88 (online) minimum 22 in each skill band
84 (online) minimum 21 in each skill band
MELAB
80
85
85
PTE (Academic)
54, overall minimum
50 in each skill band
60, overall minimum
55 in each skill band
60, overall minimum
55 in each skill band
CAEL
60 (overall)
70 overall (writing 60)
70 overall (writing 60)
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)
169 or more (with no individual skill below 162)
176 or more (with no individual skill below 169)
176 or more (with no individual skill below 169)
George Brown Admissions Test (Mature applicants only)
Available
Available
Not Available
Special Requirements
Clinical Pre-placement Health Form requirements and program policy
Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Pre-placement requirements for this program. It will take up to 8 to 10 weeks to complete.
Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records (TDAP shot, MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres and Two-Step TB Skin Test) and proof of clear Vulnerable Sector Check renewed every year. These requirements must be submitted by the program specific deadline to ParaMed Placement Pass website.
COVID-19 vaccination:Public Health recommends that people working with young children and other vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame.
The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations whom students will engage in practice. Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and non-academic requirements, or who do not submit all required documentation by deadlines established by the program will be excluded from the clinical practicum. Exclusion from clinical practicum for any reason may jeopardize students’ academic standing and successful completion of this program.
All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)
In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed every year before entering into field or clinical placement.
The Vulnerable Sector Check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
Students are responsible for ensuring that the Vulnerable Sector Check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).”
Students are required to keep the original copy of their Vulnerable Sector Check.
Students who are unable to provide a “clear” Vulnerable Sector Check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment. The fees for the vulnerable sector check vary and must be paid by the student.
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