Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, has become more prevalent in recent decades, following a growing interest in treatment and a surge in research on neurodivergent individuals. After decades of behavioral research, the disorder was finally recognized professionally and included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980.1
Since its induction, autism has been included in every new version of the DSM, with the latest edition including additional guidance on diagnostics and therapeutic treatment for the disorder. However, with a stronger understanding of autism comes a greater need for educators who specialize in working with kids with autism.
With Arcadia University’s online Graduate Certificate in Autism, you can transform your education career to reach a broader range of learners. This certificate program is designed for working teachers and can be completed in as little as one year as you prepare for professional advancement inside inclusive classrooms.
Understanding the Growing Need for Autism Professionals
In the United States, it is believed that one in every 31 children under the age of 8 is diagnosed with autism, which equates to about 3% of the population.2 As this diagnosis becomes more common, research has shown that early intervention within the home and school can lead to greater long-term outcomes for children on the spectrum.3
Early intervention is a method of supporting children with autism before and/or during preschool while the brain is still developing. This type of intervention care can be implemented through various strategies, including:
- Family education and support: Many professionals working with autistic children also provide educational information and parenting resources to families, helping them intervene at home and set their children up for success in daily life throughout adulthood.3
- Art and music therapy: Art and music are popular forms of communication across the globe. When used in therapy, these forms of expression can become essential tools for building communication skills and creativity for children with autism.4
- Cognitive and emotional therapy: Mental health professionals working with kids with autism can make a major impact by teaching and supporting positive forms of expression, communication, and emotional management.
Additionally, inclusive education can often support children with autism to feel more comfortable in social settings. And while inclusivity inside the classroom has become a growing trend in education, there’s still a national shortage of educators with the right skills and expertise for working with kids with autism.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a deficit of nearly 2,000 special education teachers across the United States by 2033.5 But the shortage of autism professionals doesn’t stop there. The BLS also expects a significant increase in positions for social workers and clinicians who work with adults with autism.6
Skills and Qualifications That Make the Biggest Difference
Perhaps one of the reasons there’s a shortage of autism professionals is the specific skills it takes to be effective when working with kids with autism. The latest autism research has brought the diverse needs of children on the spectrum to light, and Arcadia’s online Graduate Certificate in Autism delivers the essential skills required for success in a variety of impactful and rewarding roles.
Through Arcadia’s 100% online program, you’ll complete just four courses and become equipped with the following skills in as little as one year:
Soft Skills
- Understanding characteristics of children with autism
- Appropriate family engagement techniques
- Support for life transitions
- Communicating effectively
- Collaboration
- Understanding emotional challenges for children with autism
- Effectively addressing challenges in cultural contexts
Professional Skills
- The law surrounding those with developmental disabilities
- Fundamental principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Research-based teaching strategies
- Data analysis
- Evaluation of student outcomes
Create an inclusive classroom
Essential Careers Supporting Neurodivergent Children and Their Families
The online Graduate Certificate in Autism from Arcadia delivers the skills and expertise for working with kids with autism, along with their families. Explore the different career opportunities and salaries that require autism expertise*:
Education
- Special Education Teacher Median Annual Salary: $64,2705
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist Median Annual Salary: $70,6207
- Inclusion Specialist Median Annual Salary: $54,1318
Clinical Therapy
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist Annual Salary: $75,3029
- Speech-Language Pathologist Annual Salary: $93,37010
- Art Therapist Annual Salary: $63,04811
Non-Clinical Support
- Social Worker Annual Salary: $61,3306
- Developmental Disabilities Case Manager Annual Salary: $96,32612
- Community Program Coordinator Annual Salary: $68,84213
Advance Your Impact on Autism Education and Support
The next step in your career working with kids with autism begins with Arcadia University. The online Graduate Certificate in Autism coursework can be completed entirely online and on your schedule, allowing you to immediately apply what you learn in your classroom.
Each course is taught by expert faculty with real-world experience working with autistic children. As you explore a curriculum founded on the latest ASD research, you’ll collaborate with your peers, discuss your ideas with faculty, and receive the support you need to be successful. Additionally, you may also continue your education by applying your certificate credits to a master’s degree program and complete your graduate education faster and at your pace.
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about this online program from Arcadia University.
Sources and Disclaimer
- “The Diagnosis of Autism: From Kanner to DSM-III to DSM-5 and Beyond.” National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/.
- “Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/.
- “Early Intervention for Autism.” National Institutes of Health. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/.
- “Art Therapy and Autism: Can Creativity Help Children with ASD?” Rainbow Therapy. Retrieved July 9, 2025, from https://rainbowtherapy.org/.
- “Special Education Teachers.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.
- “Social Workers.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.
- “Autism Specialist Salary in the United States.” Salary.com. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.salary.com/.
- “Inclusion Specialist Salary in the United States.” Salary.com. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.salary.com/.
- “ABA Behavior Therapist Salary in the United States.” Salary.com. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.salary.com/.
- “Speech and Language Pathologist Salary in the United States.” Salary.com. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.salary.com/.
- “Art Therapist Salary in the United States.” Salary.com. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.salary.com/.
- “Developmental Disabilities Case Manager Salary in the United States.” Salary.com. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.salary.com/.
- “Community Program Coordinator Salary in the United States.” Salary.com. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.salary.com/.
*Salary information is based on median and average research.
