Institute of Autism and Behavioral Studies

Mission

The Institute for Autism and Behavioral Studies’ mission is to advance the knowledge of evidence-based practice related to Autism Spectrum Disorders and support improved outcomes for individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Taking a lifespan, developmental perspective, the overarching goal of the Institute is to improve educators’, professionals’ and parents’ understanding of Autism and the means to assess and implement interventions and supports. Through degree offerings, continuing education, professional development, community collaboration and research, the Institute will serve as regional leader in developing professionals with the ability to provide state-of-the-art intervention for individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or related disability. The interdisciplinary focus exists between the Education, Counseling and Family Therapy, Human Development and Family Services, Nursing, Nutrition and Pharmacy.

Institute Goals

1. Develop graduate and undergraduate programs of study the meet the needs of educators, professionals, and parents to meet the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders across the lifespan and lead to certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®
2. Expand community service offerings for parent, professional and educators to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders through instruction, continuing education and intervention service
3. Conduct applied and policy research to assess interventions and services available to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders across the lifespan
4. Develop and conduct pre-service and in-service trainings for professionals who work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related disabilities
5. Provide clinical services through a partnership with the Hospital for Special Care including diagnostic and treatment services to individuals with autism and their families
6. Provide consultation services to educational, governmental, medical and community organizations that serve individuals with autism and their families to improve service provision and outcomes

Graduate Programs

The Graduate Programs in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Saint Joseph draw on the specialized expertise in the Institute for Autism and Behavioral Studies and the School of Education to offer seven programs: five options specifically designed to prepare Behavior Analysts for important careers across a wide variety of settings and populations. Coursework in these programs is pre-approved by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board^TM (BACB) as meeting the standards in preparation for certification in Behavior Analysis.

IABS Programs:

• Master of Science in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (MS A/ABA) 
• Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (GC/ABA) 
• The Certification Preparation Track (CPT/ABA) 
• The Assistant Certification Preparation Track (ACPT/ABA) 
• Supervised Experience Track (SE/ABA) 

 School of Education Programs:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate 
• Master of Arts in Special Education with a Concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders 

Continuing Education Programs

Summer Institute
Lecture Series

jmolteni@usj.edu