How to become an autism teacher

How to become an Autism Teacher

Becoming an autism teacher typically requires a combination of education, certification, and practical experience. Here’s a roadmap to the career:

Bachelor’s Degree
Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education Teaching, Early Childhood Education with a focus on special needs, Psychology with a focus on child development, or a related field. Core coursework should include autism spectrum disorders and related conditions, special education law and ethics, behavior management and techniques, communication disorders, and differentiated instruction.

Teacher Preparation Program
As part of a bachelor's degree, you must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. This includes both coursework and supervised teaching experience. Some programs offer specialized courses in teaching students with autism or other disabilities, including how to create individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavioral strategies.

State Certification / Licensing
After completing a bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program, you must obtain state certification (in the US) or equivalent in your country. Certification requirements vary by state, but typically include passing standardized exams (e.g., the Praxis Special Education Exam in the US), obtaining an endorsement in autism spectrum disorder, completing a background check, and providing proof of student teaching experience.

Master’s Degree (Optional but Beneficial)
Many autism teachers choose to pursue a Master’s Degree in Special Education, Autism Studies, or a related field. Areas of study at this level range from applied behavioral analysis (ABA) and sensory integration to assistive learning technologies and transition planning for students with autism. Earning a master’s can help increase career opportunities and salary potential.

Special Education Endorsements / Additional Certifications
Many states require an endorsement in autism spectrum disorder or applied behavior analysis. Some of the certifications described below may be mandatory, or pursued voluntarily to expand skills, improve outcomes for students, and meet the diverse needs of students with ASD.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Certification – Various universities and professional organizations offer certifications specifically focused on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These programs help teachers, teaching assistants, and caregivers gain specialized knowledge about autism, including behavior management, communication strategies, and individualized education planning. Examples: Autism Spectrum Disorder Graduate Certificate, University of Kansas; Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Grad Certificate, Arizona State University Online
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certification – ABA certification is highly relevant for managing and improving student behavior. This professional credential focuses on the design and implementation of behavior interventions based on evidence-based practices. Candidates must complete a graduate degree with ABA coursework and supervised fieldwork, as well as pass the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Certifications – Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) is the world’s leading provider of evidence-based de-escalation training. Their programs equip staff with crisis intervention and de-escalation skills that reduce emotional outbursts, meltdowns, or challenging behavior and help prevent future incidents. These are the programs and specialty courses offered by CPI and its affiliates: Verbal Intervention Training, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI), NCI with Advanced Physical Skills, Trauma, Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Reframing Behavior, Prevention First Online Training.
• TEACCH Certification –TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children) is a widely recognized method for teaching children with autism, especially those with severe symptoms. Two levels of certification in the method, Practitioner and Advanced Consultant, are awarded by The University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program.
• Social Thinking Certification – Social Thinking is a research-based curriculum focused on strategies for teaching students with autism and other social communication disorders how to navigate social situations. Requirements include completing specific Social Thinking workshops or courses and passing related assessments.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Certification – SEL training and credentialing, available through many different entities, focuses on social/emotional-informed practices that enhance teachers’ ability to effectively teach students emotional regulation, empathy, and social skills.
• Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) – The ATP certification, offered by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), recognizes demonstrated competence in analyzing the needs of individuals with disabilities, assisting in the selection of appropriate assistive technology (e.g., augmentative and alternative communication - ACC devices) for individual needs, and providing training in the use of the selected devices.
• First Aid/CPR Certification – While not specific to emotional and behavioral disorders, first aid and CPR certification is often a requirement for all educators working with students, especially those in special education settings.

Teaching Experience
Gain crucial hands-on experience working with children with autism. Start your career as a teaching assistant, behavior technician, or tutor in a special education classroom, therapy center, or school.

Ongoing Professional Development
Stay updated with the latest research, new teaching strategies and interventions, best practices, laws, and technologies. Attend workshops, join professional organizations, and renew certifications as needed.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Special Education Endorsements / Additional Certifications section, the following organizations also support autism teachers:

• Autism Society – The Autism Society is one of the leading national organizations dedicated to promoting awareness, education, and support for individuals with autism and their families. It provides resources and advocacy for teachers, parents, and professionals.
• National Autism Association (NAA) – The NAA is an organization that provides information and resources to help families and educators better understand and support individuals with autism. It offers workshops, advocacy, and educational materials.
• Autism Educators – This is an online community and resource hub for teachers who work with students with autism. It offers free and paid resources for educators, including lesson plans, teaching strategies, and classroom tools.
• Autism Speaks – This well-known advocacy and research organization provides resources and support for autism education. It focuses on increasing awareness and providing teachers with tools to support students with autism.
• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) – The CEC is one of the largest professional organizations dedicated to improving the educational success of exceptional children, including those with autism. The CEC Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD) is particularly relevant for ASD teachers.
• Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) – In education, ABAI’s main objective is to recruit and train individuals well versed in the science and application of behavior analysis.
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – While NAEYC primarily represents early childhood education (ECE) teachers, it offers resources and professional development opportunities that are relevant for educators working with young students with autism, especially in the early intervention phase.