Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement
The Cairn University Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement is available to graduate students who are state-certified and undergraduate preservice teachers who would like to provide individualized support for students with autism spectrum disorders. Upon successful completion of this program, including all coursework and field experience requirements, candidates are eligible to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education to add the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement to their existing teaching certificates.
Why ASD Endorsement?
Enhance your career options with your ASD endorsement. An ASD Endorsement will better prepare your educational career as you are not only equipped to teach, but you are also equipped to serve all students.
ASD Endorsement at Cairn
Biblical Integration
Students' teaching and perspective of their career will be within a biblical perspective.
Career Preparation
Students in the program will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare them for a teaching career. they will cultivate a biblical worldview as they meet the need for teachers in special education.
Hands-On Education
Cairn’s ASD endorsement intentionally gives our students the opportunity to serve the future generation
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Get an inside look at our ASD Endorsement
This program leads to the PA Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) endorsement for individuals who hold or concurrently complete a Level I or Level II certificate, including but not limited to regular and special education, school psychologist, principal, guidance counselor, speech and language clinician, occupational and physical therapist, reading specialist, and home and school visitor.
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Required Credits: 12
- SPE 680 – Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders Credits: 3
- SPE 683 – Instruction and Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders Credits: 3
- SPE 684 – Family, Interagency, and Community Collaboration for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Credits: 3
- SPE 721 – ABA for Autism and Other Disabilities I Credits: 3
Pre-requisites
- Graduate students need an initial teaching certificate to earn this endorsement. This can be added to their existing Level I or Level II certificates.
All Cairn University students must have professed a faith in Jesus Christ as Savior as evidenced by providing a personal testimony that details this faith. By submitting an application, students acknowledge the University’s doctrinal position and standards of conduct as outlined in the Foundational Statements. Below are the admission requirements:
- Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code faithmatters and we will waive the fee.
- Transcripts: Order official transcripts for all conferred degrees to be sent to Cairn University.
The tuition rates are posted on this page.
Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Tuition discounts are also available for those working in Christian schools. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University.
Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Cairn University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Additional Accreditation Information is available from this page.
Principal
Guidance counselor
School psychologist
Reading specialist
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An Affordable Education
Do you work at at Christian school as an educator or staff? You may be eligible for discounted tuition as low as $400 per credit.
Meet Our Faculty
Barbara Cooper
Chair, Special Education; Assistant Professor, School of Education
Barbara Cooper teaches classes in Special Education. She began her teaching career as a missionary, training people from around the globe. From there she taught in public and private school settings teaching in elementary levels and special education. She also has been an adjunct professor at Biblical Theological Seminary for seven years, teaching international students English and American culture. She is married to Derek, and they have three children.
Juliana Duprey
Faculty, School of Education
Mrs. Duprey taught in Autism Support for 7 years in the School District of Philadelphia and also has experience with ESL tutoring and working with children in early childhood programs. At Cairn she teaches education courses such as Foundations of Special Education and Diagnosis and Evaluation of Exceptional Learners. She has been married to her husband, Marques, for seven years, and they have two boys. She grew up in Philadelphia but now lives in the Abington area where she and her family are excited to be part of a church plant in Brewerytown.