The huge waiting list for people with autism to be treated by specialists is likely to become shorter because of a new program offered this fall by Michigan State University.
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis will be taught completely online in connection with
the special education master’s degrees at MSU.
Some 16,000 students in Michigan have
various forms of autism, but only about 50 certified behavior analysts are
working with families statewide. Recent legislation requiring health insurers
to cover autism-related services has made it easier for Michigan families to
access the services, but more high-quality training programs are desperately
needed.
“We know applied behavior
analysis works for kids and we need experts to deliver those services, whether
it is in homes or schools,” said Joshua Plavnick, assistant professor of
special education in MSU’s College of Education. “There are not enough of them
across the state.”
The MSU program will prepare students to become board certified behavior analysts. The analysts know how to assess complex behavioral issues related to communication or social interaction, for example, and develop individual improvement plans.
In the case of autism, Plavnick said the analysts are qualified to help children learn important new skills by first breaking down those skills into more manageable goals. They also are adept at finding and isolating the issues in a child’s environment that trigger problem behaviors.
Brooke Ingersoll said applied behavior analysis can be provided in schools, but special education teachers don't typically receive extensive training in the area.
The MSU program will prepare students to become board certified behavior analysts. The analysts know how to assess complex behavioral issues related to communication or social interaction, for example, and develop individual improvement plans.
In the case of autism, Plavnick said the analysts are qualified to help children learn important new skills by first breaking down those skills into more manageable goals. They also are adept at finding and isolating the issues in a child’s environment that trigger problem behaviors.
Brooke Ingersoll said applied behavior analysis can be provided in schools, but special education teachers don't typically receive extensive training in the area.
“It’s important for us to increase
the number of interventionists,” said Brooke Ingersoll, assistant professor of
psychology.
To become fully certified, students
must also complete independent field work supervised by a Board Certified
Behavior Analyst and pass the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam.
Jerry Wolffe is the Rights Advocate at Large/Writer in
Residence at Macomb-Oakland Regional Center. He can be reached at (586)
263-8950.
