Education of Pupils on the Autistic Spectrum
Introduction
This programme is for Primary and Post-Primary teachers who currently hold a post funded by the Department of Education and Skills and who will be working with students on the Autism Spectrum for the duration of the Programme in recognised Primary Post-Primary and Special Schools. The programme is designed specifically to assist teachers in meeting the learning and teaching needs of students on the spectrum. Potential applicants must therefore have a teaching role in relation to students on the Autism Spectrum.
Programme
The aim of this programme is to develop the knowledge skills and expertise of teachers, thus enhancing the provision of appropriate education for children and young people on the autism spectrum.
Understanding Autism: aims to provide a foundation in the history, concept and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder, causes and prevalence will also be considered. Students will explore the diversity across the spectrum and reflect in an informed manner on the implications of autism in an educational context.
Autism: Assessment, Profiling and Planning: addresses the principles underpinning inclusive assessment and focusses on the development of a holistic profile of the student's strengths, interests and needs, leading to the development of learning programmes and individualised planning.
Autism: Planning,Teaching and Learning 1 & 2: focuses on the application of skills and knowledge presented across the programme to teaching and learning contexts.
Wellbeing Across the Continuum: Addresses current and evolving issues in relation to the education of pupils on the Autism Spectrum including life span perspective, wellbeing of such students and proactive strategies to support them.
Entry requirements
General Entry Requirements
This programme is for registered teachers who hold a post currently funded by the Department of Education and Skills and who are currently working with students on the Autistic Spectrum or who will be working with students on the Autism Spectrum for the duration of the Programme in recognised Primary Schools including Special Schools and recognized Post-Primary Schools. The programme is designed specifically to assist teachers in meeting the learning and teaching needs of students on the spectrum. Potential applicants must therefore have a teaching role in relation to students on the Autism Spectrum.
Application dates
NEXT STEPS
Make an Application
Applications for 2022-23 will open when the DE issues the circular governing the course. Usually, the circular is issued in early February (e.g., last year, circular issued on 11/2/2021). Once the circular is released Applications for 2022-23 will open for approximately 4 weeks. The link to the application form will be available on the Provider's website. Please keep an eye on this page as information pertaining to the application open and closing date for 2022-23 will be updated there.
Prospective future Applicants
It would be useful for prospective future applicants to be familiar with the DE circular governing these courses, especially those elements that relate to eligibility, which do not tend to change much from year to year. Please pay particular attention to cover requirements to ensure you are eligible before making an application.
If you have any questions or queries relating to this process, please email ioe.ise@dcu.ie
Duration
1 year part-time.
Provisional Calendar
The programme will include three weeks block release from your school/centre during the year. Below are the indicative times of year when these weeks occur. Dates will be communicated upon offer of a place on the course.
Week 1: September: Dates TBC
Week 2: November: Dates TBC
Week 3: February: Dates TBC
Lectures take place Monday to Friday during these weeks from 9am - 4pm.
In addition there are seven evening online sessions which occur on Tuesday evenings throughout the year ( 6-7.15). Further details will be made available upon starting the course.
Post Course Info
Progession
On successful completion of this one year programe teachers may graduate with a Graduate Certificate in the Education of Pupils on the Autism Spectrum or may be eligible to continue their study to complete a MEd in Autism.