University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Curriculum Proposal Form #2
Change in Degree, Major, or Submajor
Effective Term:
2137 (Fall 2013)
Type of Action:
Change in certificate program
Degree:
{Select from drop-down list}
Program Title:
Graduate Autism Specialist Certificate
GPA Requirement for the Major/Submajor: 2.75
Sponsor(s):
Shannon Stuart
Department(s):
Special Education
College(s):
Education
Consultation took place:
NA
Yes
(list departments and attach consultation sheet)
Departments:
Proposal Information:
(Procedures for Form #2)
Total number of credit units in program:
Before change 16
After change 15
1. Exact description of request:
Delete SPECED 609 NONVIOLENT CRISIS INTERVENTION from the Autism Specialist
Certificate requirements. This course provides participants with certification or recertification
in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention as recognized by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI).
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Techniques for de-escalating potentially harmful situations as well as strategies for
responding to direct physical threats will be presented. The instructor is certified by CPI to
provide training. Participants passing the exit exam will receive a one-year certificate in nonviolent crisis intervention.
From (as listed in catalog and on AR)
Courses required in the Autism Specialist Certificate:
SPECED 609 Nonviolent Crisis Prevention (1 credit)
SPECED 707 Foundations of Autism (3 credits)
SPECED 708 Methods of Autism (3 credits)
COMDIS 683 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 credits)
SPECED 702 Reflective Practice and Action Research (3 credits)
SPECED 704 Applied Action Research (23 credits)
To (to be listed in catalog and on AR)
Courses required in the Autism Specialist Certificate:
SPECED 707 Foundations of Autism (3 credits)
SPECED 708 Methods of Autism (3 credits)
COMDIS 683 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 credits)
SPECED 702 Reflective Practice and Action Research (3 credits)
SPECED 704 Applied Action Research (23 credits)
2. Relationship to mission and strategic plan of institution, and/or college and department
goals and objectives:
As professional knowledge within the autism field has developed, we now realize that
Nonviolent Crisis Prevention is not specific to the needs of individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorders. Much of the focus is on verbal de-escalation techniques while
individuals on the autism spectrum may require supportive intervention that targets social
interaction differences, communication skills, repetitive/ restrictive patterns of behavior or
interests, sensory processing differences, and cognitive processing differences. Recognizing
that this course no longer fits the needs of professional who train to work with individual
with autism spectrum disorders demonstrates understanding of our university’s commitment
to the growth of professional integrity.
Rationale: The autism Specialist Certificate is fully online except for this course. The
course no longer meets the needs of students enrolled in the certificate program. Consumers
who need CPI for their professions typically take CPI through their school districts. Much of
the focus is on verbal de-escalation techniques while individuals on the autism spectrum may
require supportive intervention that targets social interaction differences, communication
skills, repetitive/ restrictive patterns of behavior or interests, sensory processing differences,
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and cognitive processing differences. Recognizing that this course no longer fits the needs of
professional who train to work with individual with autism spectrum disorders demonstrates
understanding of our university’s commitment to the growth of professional integrity.
3. Cost Implications: none
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