Autism and Behavioural Science Program (Postgraduate) (C405)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
Preparing Autism and Behavioural Science graduates for nearly 20 years.
Program Overview
The Autism and Behavioural Science (Postgraduate) program focuses on autism spectrum disorders and therapies, mainly applied behaviour analysis (ABA), with a primary application for children and adolescents. You will gain practical experience working with treatment teams.
Full Description
The one-year Autism and Behavioural Science (Postgraduate) (C405) program was developed in response to the growing public concern about services for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
It was designed to deepen the expertise in the field of autism and behavioural sciences for application within the children’s sector and simultaneously create a pool of qualified individuals to meet the needs of service agencies that provide autism or children’s services.
To qualify for this program stream, you must be a graduate with a university degree or college graduate who has studied early childhood education, social service worker, child and youth care, developmental service worker or similar program. In this program, you learn the specialized skills and expertise you need to work with individuals who have been diagnosed with autism.
Please note this program does not teach counselling or “talk therapy.” This is an intensive program designed to develop skills to work with Autistic individuals to create behaviour change by increasing skills and decreasing maladaptive behaviours.
As a student in the Autism and Behavioural Science program, you will study:
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- intervention methods, including Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI)
- applied behaviour analysis (ABA) theory (e.g., operant conditioning)
- how to work with families and treatment teams
- relevant legislation
Be advised that due to the number of opportunities for appropriate placements within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), you may be required to travel as far east as Oshawa, as far west as Burlington and as far north as Vaughan to complete your placement component.
Science-Based Program
As this is an intensive science-based program, please expect:
- a heavy workload
- complex, scientific terminology
- to read and analyze scientific journal articles
Recommended Skills and Aptitudes:
To ensure your success in this program, we recommend:
- advanced-level English skills required
- caring
- tenacious
- analytic
- detail-oriented
Autism and Behavioural Science Faculty
- This program is taught by both full- and part-time professors who have extensive experience in ABA, IBI and ASD.
Connected to Industry
- Our program is highly regarded in the sector. We have well-established relationships with agencies across the GTA who provide services for individuals with a diagnosis of autism.
Have a university degree?
If so, consider applying to the Behavioural Science Technician Accelerated (C156) program. This one-year program is similar to this program (e.g., a degree is required), with a few key differences:
- university degree required
- offers more depth in content to include a broader range of populations (other than just autism)
- include two seven-week field placements
- three-semester, one-year program
- graduate with a diploma (vs. a certificate)
Your Field Education Options
George Brown's Autism and Behavioural Science program has been designed to provide you with meaningful hands-on experiences within settings where you could ultimately find work.
The field placement experience in semester 1 is three weeks long. During that time, you will visit an agency partner (e.g., ABA centre, school, residential home, daycare setting, etc.) to observe an individual with autism.
In semester 2, field placement is with an agency partner but seven weeks long. During that time you will observe an individual with autism and partake in various daily tasks such as indirect assessment, identification of target behaviours, and data collection.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
Educational Pathways
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BST 1101 | Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis |
| BST 1102 | Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders |
| BST 1104 | Working with Families and Teams |
| BST 1105 | Ethics & Professionalism |
| BST 1106 | Field Placement I |
| BST 1108 | Field Seminar I |
| BST 1121 | Behavioural Skill Building |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BST 1103 | Treating Challenging Behaviour |
| BST 1122 | Parent and Staff Training |
| BST 1123 | Specialized Instructional Strategies |
| BST 1124 | Transition Planning and Implementation |
| BST 1125 | Field Placement II |
| BST 1126 | Field Work Seminar II |
Electives
Articulation Agreement
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Assess and analyze the characteristics, skills and behaviour of individuals with ASD to effectively implement evidence-based behavioural interventions.
- Design and implement effective behavioural intervention plans under appropriate supervision and based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
- Evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural intervention plans based on the principles of ABA.
- Work collaboratively with families, teams, service providers and the broader community to respond to the learning and behavioural needs of individuals with ASD.
- Design, implement and evaluate as part of a team ABA-based transition plans for individuals with ASD.
- Comply with established ethical principles and professional guidelines.
- Provide leadership in the promotion and provision of services to meet the needs of individuals with ASD and their families.
- Evaluate empirical evidence in order to select appropriate interventions for individuals with ASD.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of a three-year or four-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree (no specific major, though a major in psychology, or related discipline, is highly recommended*).
- Or a two-year or three-year diploma in a human services discipline (a major in psychology is recommended*).
- It is recommended that related degrees/diplomas include at least one or more psychology course(s).
* Please note: This program has a strong focus on behaviour change and behavioural sciences, so some previous psychology-related education is highly recommended in order to be successful in the program.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Find out more about English proficiency requirements.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Clinical Pre-placement Health Form requirements and program policy
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Pre-placement requirements for this program. It will take up to eight to 10 weeks to complete.
- Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records (TDAP shot, MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres and Two-Step TB Skin Test) and proof of clear Vulnerable Sector Check renewed every year. These requirements must be submitted by the program specific deadline to ParaMed Placement Pass website.
- COVID-19 vaccination: Public Health recommends that people working with young children and other vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame.
- The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations whom students will engage in practice. Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and non-academic requirements, or who do not submit all required documentation by deadlines established by the program will be excluded from the clinical practicum. Exclusion from clinical practicum for any reason may jeopardize students' academic standing and successful completion of this program.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student. To download the mandatory Pre-placement health form and for more details, go to the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed every year before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The Vulnerable Sector Check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the Vulnerable Sector Check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).”
- Students are required to keep the original copy of their Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Students who are unable to provide a “clear” Vulnerable Sector Check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
- Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment. The fees for the vulnerable sector check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Placement Test
Health Policy
Bridging
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Call the George Brown School of Health and Wellness at 416-415-5000, ext. 2367 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or E-mail hwprograms@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Autism and Behavioural Science Program (Postgraduate) (C405)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
Verified course sequence to become a Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA) with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
Program Overview
The Autism and Behavioural Science (Postgraduate) program focuses on autism spectrum disorders and therapies, mainly applied behaviour analysis (ABA), with a primary application for children and adolescents. You will gain practical experience working with treatment teams.
Full Description
The one-year Autism and Behavioural Science (Postgraduate) (C405) program was developed in response to the growing public concern about services for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
It was designed to deepen the expertise in the field of autism and behavioural sciences for application within the children’s sector and simultaneously create a pool of qualified individuals to meet the needs of service agencies that provide autism or children’s services.
This program enables graduates with university degrees and graduates of early childhood education, social service worker, child and youth care, developmental service worker and similar programs to acquire the specialized skills and expertise they need to work with individuals with a diagnosis of autism.
Autism and Behavioural Science students learn about:
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- intervention methods, including Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI)
- applied behaviour analysis (ABA) theory (e.g., operant conditioning)
- working with families and treatment teams
- relevant legislation
Note: Field education may require travel due to the number of opportunities for appropriate placements within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Students may be required to travel to locations as far east as Oshawa, as far west as Burlington and as far north as Vaughan.
Recommended Skills and Aptitudes
Consider this career path if these terms describe you:
- caring
- tenacious
- analytic
- detail-oriented
Autism and Behavioural Science Program Features
- Full-time and part-time faculty who have extensive experience in ABA, IBI and ASD
- Well-established relationships with agencies providing services for individuals with a diagnosis of autism
Your Field Education Options
George Brown's Autism and Behavioural Science program has been designed to provide students with meaningful hands-on experiences within settings where students could ultimately find work.
In semester 1, the field placement experience is three weeks long. During that time, students will visit an agency partner (e.g., ABA centre, school, residential home, daycare setting, etc.) to observe an individual with autism.
During semester 2, field placement is seven weeks long. Students will go to an agency partner where they will not only observe an individual with autism, but will be required to identify a target behaviour and develop a treatment plan accordingly.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BST 1101 | Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis |
| BST 1102 | Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders |
| BST 1104 | Working with Families and Teams |
| BST 1105 | Ethics & Professionalism |
| BST 1106 | Field Placement I |
| BST 1108 | Field Seminar I |
| BST 1121 | Behavioural Skill Building |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BST 1103 | Treating Challenging Behaviour |
| BST 1122 | Parent and Staff Training |
| BST 1123 | Specialized Instructional Strategies |
| BST 1124 | Transition Planning and Implementation |
| BST 1125 | Field Placement II |
| BST 1126 | Field Work Seminar II |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Assess and analyze the characteristics, skills and behaviour of individuals with ASD to effectively implement evidence-based behavioural interventions.
- Design and implement effective behavioural intervention plans under appropriate supervision and based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
- Evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural intervention plans based on the principles of ABA.
- Work collaboratively with families, teams, service providers and the broader community to respond to the learning and behavioural needs of individuals with ASD.
- Design, implement and evaluate as part of a team ABA-based transition plans for individuals with ASD.
- Comply with established ethical principles and professional guidelines.
- Provide leadership in the promotion and provision of services to meet the needs of individuals with ASD and their families.
- Evaluate empirical evidence in order to select appropriate interventions for individuals with ASD.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of a three-year or four-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree (no specific major, though a major in psychology, or related discipline, is highly recommended*).
- Or a two-year or three-year diploma in a human services discipline (a major in psychology is recommended*).
- It is recommended that related degrees/diplomas include at least one or more psychology course(s).
* Please note: This program has a strong focus on behaviour change and behavioural sciences, so some previous psychology-related education is highly recommended in order to be successful in the program.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Find out more about English proficiency requirements.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Clinical Pre-placement Health Form requirements and program policy
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Pre-placement requirements for this program. It will take up to 8 to 10 weeks to complete.
- Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records (TDAP shot, MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres and Two-Step TB Skin Test) and proof of clear Vulnerable Sector Check renewed every year. These requirements must be submitted by the program specific deadline to ParaMed Placement Pass website.
- COVID-19 vaccination: Public Health recommends that people working with young children and other vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame.
- The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations whom students will engage in practice. Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and non-academic requirements, or who do not submit all required documentation by deadlines established by the program will be excluded from the clinical practicum. Exclusion from clinical practicum for any reason may jeopardize students' academic standing and successful completion of this program.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student. To download the mandatory Pre-placement health form and for more details, go to the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed every year before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The Vulnerable Sector Check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the Vulnerable Sector Check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).”
- Students are required to keep the original copy of their Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Students who are unable to provide a “clear” Vulnerable Sector Check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
- Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment. The fees for the vulnerable sector check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Clinical Pre-placement website.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Call the George Brown School of Health and Wellness at 416-415-5000, ext. 2367 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or E-mail hwprograms@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
