Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a group of disorders characterized by difficulties with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as distinct strengths and distinctions. There isn’t just one variety of autism; there are several, each caused by a unique combination of genetic and environmental factors. The term “spectrum” refers to the vast range of challenges and capabilities that each individual with autism possesses. The most visible indicators of autism usually show between the ages of 2 and 3. It can be diagnosed as early as 18 months in some cases. Some autism-related developmental deficits can be detected and addressed even sooner.
Autistic children and adults may benefit from individual or group attention/therapies from autism specialists. The Diploma in Autism will assist parents, caregivers, and professionals in early intervention, education, and therapy for children with autism that may result in considerable progress. Professionals can work in a variety of settings (schools, homes, and hospitals), giving them the opportunity to help young children and their families. Parents and caregivers will have a better understanding of their children and will be able to influence positive behaviour changes in them. Professionals will be better able to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group.
Vision
Empowering students to pursue their academic and professional goals through market-driven quality education in a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
Mission
To produce practitioners who provide professional services and support to individuals with autism spectrum disorder in home, school and community settings.
Objectives
The number of children with Autism is increasing, and there is a scarcity of professionals in this field. The start of a Diploma Course is required to address the demands of Special Education Departments, Regular Education Institutions, and parents of children with Autism. It will also give trained professionals who will support parents and meet the needs of people with autism. All those with the necessary academic background will be able to enroll in the diploma program and subsequently find work in both private and public sectors. The following are the key objectives of the diploma:
- Equip successful graduates with sufficient knowledge, skills and expertise required to work with and to support of children with ASD.
- Enable successful graduates to plan, organize and evaluate educational and behavioral management plans for children with ASD.
Program’s Summary
| Title of the Program: | Post Graduate Diploma Autism Spectrum Disorder | |
| Duration of the Program: | 1 Year + 3 Month’s Clinical Practice | |
| Admission Requirement: | Admission will be in line with UE admission criteria that is: | |
| 1-Admission will be on merit. 2-B.S. Hons. in Special Education (min. 2nd Division), or 3-B.Ed. Hons. in Special Education (min. 2nd Division), or 4-MA Special Education (min. 2nd Division), or 5-M.Ed. Special Education (min. 2nd Division), or 6-B.S. Psychology (min. 2nd Division), or 7-M.Sc. Psychology (min. 2nd Division), | ||
| Medium of instruction: | The medium of instruction and examination shall be ENGLISH except Islamic Studies which is Urdu. For languages, the medium of instruction and examination shall that language. | |
| Assessment and Examination: | The performance of the students registered in PGD ASD program shall be assessed as per the University’s rules and regulations. | |
Program Design
| Category | No. of Courses | Credit Hours |
| Compulsory Courses | 09 | 27 |
| Clinical Practice | 01 | 3 |
| Total | 10 | 30 |
Program Layout
CORE COURSES
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| SPED5111 | Fundamentals of Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5112 | Educational Planning for ASD | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5113 | Evidence Based Intervention Approaches for ASD | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5114 | Assistive Technology Support for ASD | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5115 | Introduction to Autism Behavior Management | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5116 | Autism Speech, Language and Communication skills | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5117 | Autism Spectrum Disorder Across Life Span | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5118 | Applied Behavior Analysis | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5119 | Curriculum for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3 (3+0) |
| SPED5120 | Clinical Practice after one year -3 months- is | 3 (0 +3) |
Semester Wise Breakup of the Courses
Semester -1
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| SPED5111 | Fundamentals of Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5112 | Educational Planning for ASD | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5113 | Evidence Based Intervention Approaches for ASD | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5114 | Assistive Technology Support for ASD | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5115 | Introduction to Autism Behavior Management | 3(3+0) |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 |
| SPED5116 | Autism Speech, Language and Communication skills | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5117 | Autism Spectrum Disorder Across Life Span | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5118 | Applied Behavior Analysis | 3(3+0) |
| SPED5119 | Curriculum for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3 (3+0) |
| SPED5120 | Clinical Practice after one year -3 months- is compulsory for award of Diploma | 3 (0 +3) |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 |