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Course Description

Credit Validation For San Diego County Office of Education Added Authorization Candidates Only

All candidates must be enrolled first with SDCOE Added Authorizations Program prior to registering for credit validation with USD. Please visit the SDCOE AASE website for program enrollment information.

This course focuses on a wide variety of topics and issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Many different aspects of ASD are examined from a variety of different vantage points and perspectives. Course content include defining ASD characteristics, assessing, planning and monitoring developmentally appropriate interventions and  instructional strategies (including behavior based), knowledge of the impact of language development and communication skills, understanding the challenges and differences of students with ASD which include communication, social, sensory, behavior, auditory and visual processing, developing and maintaining structured and organized learning environment, understanding the roles and responsibilities of various service providers and integrating the strategies into the learning environment, as well as to articulate current research based practices. The expected student outcome is demonstration of knowledge and awareness regarding major issues related to ASD.

Learner Outcomes

  • Able to articulate the characteristics of individuals with ASD
  • Develop an understanding of visual supports to be used in school and community
  • Understand how to collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to assess students with ASD in social, behavior, communication, sensory, auditory and visual processing and academic/functional academic areas
  • Understand how to collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to develop and monitor appropriate interventions and instructional strategies (including behavior based)
  • Understand how to support student’s communication (verbal and nonverbal) and language development
  • Access and articulate current research and literature regarding the characteristics and basis for ASD and the resulting implications for learning and functioning
  • Understand the importance of designing and maintaining a structured and organized learning environment including the development of systems and routines, physical arrangement and visual strategies that support teaching and enhance learning for students with ASD

Course Details

Number of Units: 9.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course:

2. Complete all course work with SDCOE. 

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

2. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

  • U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
  • International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Prerequisites

All participants must: 

  • Possession of a valid California preliminary, Level 1, Level 2, Clear Education Specialist Credential or Speech-Language Pathology or Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential with a Special Class Authorization. Education Specialist Internship Credential holders also qualify.
  • At least one student with the specific disability (in the title of the authorization) on your caseload or access to this student for the duration of the program in order to complete several of the assignments. Please note: If the response is "no," you would not be able to enroll in this program.

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series

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Type
Online
Dates
Feb 02, 2026 to May 24, 2026
Course Format
Course Fee(s)
EDU CV - $450 credit (9 units) $450.00
Available for Extension Credit
9 units

Section Notes

Audience: K–12 educators across California (SDCOE affiliation not required), specifically teachers who hold a Preliminary or Clear Education Specialist Credential and are seeking to add an authorization to that credential.  

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date.  There will be no refunds for Credit Validation after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open Through: February 2, 2026 - May 29, 2026 (11:59pm PST)

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