School of Education and Human Development University of Colorado Denver

Infant Toddler Autism Certificate- Online   Beginning Fall 2013

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This certificate fills a void in the field for addressing the needs of infants and toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). ASDs comprise the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Research consistently supports early intervention approaches that focus on enhancing parents’ capacity to meet the needs of their infants and toddlers. This certificate will address that need by improving the knowledge and skills of early interventionists working with infants and toddlers with autism and their families. Classes will be taught by internationally recognized leaders in autism intervention and research. The certificate is offered for providers in the field.

The first course, Overview of Infant Toddler Autism Services, provides an introduction to the field and the practices. The second course, Applied Treatment Delivery for Infants and Toddlers with ASD, describes how to implement evidence-based practices with infants and toddlers with ASD. The third course, Coaching for Families of Infants and Toddlers with ASD, describes evidence-based family coaching practices. Consistent with the needs of children with ASD, intervention goals covered address language, play/socialization, early adaptive skills, and positive behavior. The certificate will focus on evidence-based practices for addressing these needs.​ 

This certificate supplements the ECE program. Students in the ECE program can complete one course as a required elective and the certificate complements their degree.

Please note that space is limited. Registration will be completed on a first come, first serve basis among students who meet the registration criteria.​ In order to be considered, please send your resume outlining your education and professional experience, and a 1-page letter of intent to us at cpe@ucdenver.edu​. In your letter, please describe your interest in the certificate and discuss your current role in the field.

The courses will be offered online, consecutively during Fall, Spring, and Summer. Courses will be offered each year and they must be taken in order. All courses are three graduate credit hours. Tuition for each course is $349/credit + $100 online course fee for a total of $1147.​​

Instructors include: Drs. Phil Strain, William Frea, and Erin Barton. ​

Phil Strain, Ph.D. is a Professor of Educational Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Colorado Denver.  Dr. Strain is the author of over 250 scientific papers and he serves on the editorial boards of over a dozen professional journals.  Dr. Strain has worked in the field of early intervention since 1974 and he serves as a science advisor to the Institute of Medicine, the National Institute of Mental Health and the U.S. Department of Education.  His primary research interests include: a) intervention for young children with early onset conduct disorders; b) remediation of social behavior deficits in young children with autism; c) design and delivery of community-based, comprehensive early intervention for children with autism; and d) analysis of individual and systemic variables affecting the adoption and sustained use of evidence-based practices for children with severe behavior disorders.

William Frea, Ph.D. has worked with children on the autism spectrum, and their families, for over 25 years. He is the author of over 30 publications on treating children with autism, and has presented over 100 papers nationally on the subject. Dr. Frea’s expertise is in play-based approaches to teaching, and developing individual treatment packages within the family context. Dr. Frea received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He completed a clinical internship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and a Research Fellowship in Special Education at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody School of Education. Dr. Frea created the autism training programs at Cal State Los Angeles’ Charter School of Education. The program includes a Masters degree in autism, as well as a certification program for teachers. This became the largest program of its kind in the U.S., with significant federal grant funding. Dr. Frea also created Autism Spectrum Therapies, one of the largest agencies in the country serving children on the autism spectrum. Dr. Frea has served on federal grant review boards, national and state advisory boards, and on editorial boards for numerous research journals. He is active in parent support organizations, as well as community and school focused projects to build resources for children on the autism spectrum and their families.​

Erin E. Barton, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver. She teaches courses in Early Childhood Special Education on evidence-based assessment and intervention practices for young children with special needs and their families. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has worked with children and families in homes, schools, and clinics. Dr. Barton specializes in the education of young children with developmental disabilities in inclusive and naturalistic settings. Her research interests include early intervention practices for young children with or at–risk for developmental disabilities and professional development of early childhood practitioners. She regularly provides professional development to programs, school, districts, and states on evidence-based, early intervention practices for young children with special needs and their families.