The Autism and Behavioural Sciences program provides theory and hands-on experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Students learn evidence-based practices, child development, augmentative communication, and ethical treatment planning to support individuals with ASD.
The Autism and Behavioural Sciences program will provide you with theory and hands-on experience to work with the principles and practices of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA); specifically, in the application of ABA to Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The curriculum covers the range of evidence-based practices in autism treatment, the characteristics of ASD as well as child development and augmentative communication systems.
Important
Approved application required to register for courses
Complete application at ontariocolleges.ca
You will have up to three years to complete this program.
Top Highlights
Program includes 350 hours of placement to enhance your learning experience
Develop an understanding of Intensive Behavioural Intervention and Applied Behavioural Analysis
Serology (bloodwork) showing proof of immunity for: Varicella, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Tetanus
2 step TB skin test – if students have previously had a 2 step TB skin test, they are required to send us the results along with a current 1 step. If a student has not previously had a 2 step TB skin test (or is unable to find their previous results) they are required to complete a 2 step
Copy of your Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Persons Screen, must be less than three months old
Copy of your signed Letter to Student_Placement (you will receive this once you are registered in your placement)
Proof of COVID Vaccines
Note
Placements are arranged the semester prior to attending
Placements must be completed in Ontario.
If you are not able to secure an appropriate placement in your home community, you will have to travel to a community that you are able to secure an appropriate placement.
Placement agencies must run IBI/ABA programming.
Students will research agencies in their area, approach the selected agencies and provide the College with placement contact information for a minimum of three potential agencies by the required deadline date.
Student Accessibility and Essential Program Requirements
Confederation College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and College policy.
Students who require accommodations are encouraged to engage with Student Accessibility Services and are responsible for initiating and participating in the accommodation process. Accommodation is a collaborative process involving the student, Student Accessibility Services, faculty, and the Academic School. Requests for accommodation are considered on an individual basis, and the College will work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access to learning while maintaining the integrity of the program.
Students are expected to demonstrate the essential knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, learning outcomes, and competencies required to successfully complete their program. While the manner in which these requirements are demonstrated may be accommodated where appropriate, the essential requirements themselves must still be achieved.
For programs involving laboratories, field work, clinical placements, aviation environments, trades training, equipment operation, simulations, community placements, or other environments where health and safety are critical, accommodations must also be consistent with applicable legislation, professional standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and workplace safety obligations.
In some circumstances, a requested accommodation may not be reasonable or possible where it would:
Fundamentally alter an essential program requirement, competency, or learning outcome.
Compromise the health or safety of the student or others.
Conflict with provincial or federal legislation.
Conflict with the requirements of an external regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or professional body.
Prevent the student from demonstrating competencies required for safe and effective professional practice.
Note
Where a particular accommodation cannot be provided, the College will work collaboratively with the student to identify whether an alternative accommodation can appropriately address the student’s disability-related needs while maintaining essential program requirements.
Tuition & Fees
Fees for Domestic StudentsProgram Code: 0632
Year 1
Total: $3,742.00
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$2,740.00
College Service Fee:$697.00
Health Fee:$305.00
$3,742.00
Note
Please note that fees are estimated and are subject to change.
Fees shown on this page are for full-time students attending the main Thunder Bay campus for Fall 2026.
Costing for Regional Campuses & Distance Education Students:
If this program is available at Regional Campuses, or to Distance Education students, see the following links for costing information.
Students learn about the neuro developmental and behavioural aspects of people with ASD; previously labelled as five different syndromes under the autism spectrum disorder umbrella. Students also learn about causes, symptoms, diagnostic tools, research-based interventions and cover Autism Spectrum Disorder from birth to adulthood. This course includes mandatory group work. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course and group work requirements.
This course is potentially available for registration.
PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate.
Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca
To request to register for this course contact de@confederationcollege.ca
Principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behaviour that is widely used to promote behaviour change in individuals with ASD. In addition to basic terminology, students learn when and how to use these strategies appropriately. Students also learn how to access and interpret journal publications in the field of autism and applied behaviour analysis.
This course is potentially available for registration.
PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate.
Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca
To request to register for this course contact de@confederationcollege.ca
This course presents students with theories, terminology, and applications underlying current approaches to teamwork and working with the families of children with autism spectrum disorders are explored. The focus is on effective collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team, which is essential to successful intensive behavioural intervention. Students develop the interpersonal, job-oriented skills necessary to problem-solve as team members in a flexible, empathetic, resourceful, and productive manner.. This course includes mandatory group work. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course and group work requirements.
This course is potentially available for registration.
PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate.
Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca
To request to register for this course contact de@confederationcollege.ca
This course will introduce the foundations of ethical thinking and will review the different perspectives and rationale for ethical decision-making within a behavioural framework. Students will be introduced to professional codes of ethics that are essential for ethical practice. They will learn how to think critically and apply general ethical principles to particular situations through the use of case studies, practice vignettes, structured exercises and group discussions. This course will provide participant with the basis for developing ethical guidelines for practice, examining areas related to legislative acts, an overview of the BACB® guidelines of responsible conduct for a behaviour analyst and the ONTABA/ABA standards of practice. Students will also learn how to evaluate their own professional expertise and limitations for ongoing professional development planning.
This course is potentially available for registration.
PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate.
Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca
To request to register for this course contact de@confederationcollege.ca
This course introduces the student to common evidence-based behavioural approaches applied in teaching individuals with autism new skills with an emphasis on strategies for teaching language, academic skills, activities of daily living, play skills, and social skills. Topics will be approached by providing the student with an understanding of the terms used, a description of the teaching techniques characterized in each of the modules (where applicable) and a basic understanding of the conceptual elements motivating the approaches. Topics will include traditional discrete trial training protocols, protocols developed based on Skinner's analysis of Verbal Behaviour, Precision Teaching, Direct Instruction, Pivotal Response Training, Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Incidental and Natural Environment Teaching.
This course is potentially available for registration.
PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate.
Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca
To request to register for this course contact de@confederationcollege.ca
A comprehensive review of procedures for choosing and organizing curriculum for individuals with autism of various ages is provided. Students review basic behaviour principles and teaching strategies. Emphasis is placed on curriculum development such as the utilization of the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-R (ABLLS-R). Curriculum development is discussed with an emphasis on speech and language, social and play skills, daily living skills, and inclusion into less restrictive environments. This course includes mandatory group work. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course and group work requirements. PREREQUISITES: OL445 Intro to Applied Behaviour Anaylsis, OL497 Intro to Autism Spectrum Disorder and OL678 Specialized Instructor Strategies
This course is potentially available for registration.
PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate.
Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca
To request to register for this course contact de@confederationcollege.ca
This course introduces the student to techniques for training others specifically to implement behaviour change plans (technology transfer). Students will learn and practice techniques for individual and group presentation formats for the training of families or professionals. Students will also learn how to maintain procedural integrity, use performance feedback, evaluate the effects of training, and understand the challenges that may impact before, during and after mediator training. Emphasis will be placed on in-class presentations and role-play practice. This course includes mandatory group work. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course and group work requirements. Prerequisite: OL497 Intro to Autism Spectrum Disorder, OL445 Intro Applied Behaviour Analysis and OL477 Working with Families and Teams.
This course is potentially available for registration.
PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate.
Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca
To request to register for this course contact de@confederationcollege.ca
This course will prepare the student for assisting in planning and mediating transitions for children with ASD within and across home, school and community settings. Topics will include models for effective transition planning, assessment and evaluation; understanding differing perspectives on transitions within and across environments; developing collaboration and relationship with parents and professionals; understanding transition practices and relevant legislation; and practice in the use of transition assessment and evaluation tools. This course includes mandatory group work. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course and group work requirements. Prerequisites: OL497 Intro to Autism Spectrum Disorder, OL445 Intro to Applied Behaviour Analysis and OL493 Ethics and Professionalism
This course is potentially available for registration.
PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate.
Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca
To request to register for this course contact de@confederationcollege.ca
This course will provide a practical opportunity to demonstrate some of the vocational outcomes below. The placement will consist of 140 hours of participation in an ABA/IBI program for children with ASD. The student will develop technical skills through application of their knowledge gained in the prerequisite courses. Students will also have the opportunity to observe and practice the ethical application of behavioural principles/techniques. Prerequisite: OL445, OL477l OL493, OL497, OL678
This course will provide a practical opportunity to demonstrate some of the vocational outcomes below. The placement will consist of 210 hours of participation in an ABA/IBI program for children with ASD. The student will further develop their technical skills through application of their knowledge gained in the prerequisite courses. In addition to implementing a further range of treatment plans, students will be required to critically evaluate ongoing interventions within the placement. Students will continue to have the opportunity to observe and practice the ethical application of behavioural principles/techniques. Prerequisite: OL445, OL477l OL493, OL497, OL678, Co-requisite: AU505.
In this course, the student will be introduced to a variety of procedures used to assess and treat challenging behaviours presented by individuals with autism / Autism Spectrum Disorder. The topics covered will include functional behavioural assessment and functional analysis and scientifically validated techniques for the treatment of challenging behaviours, e.g., stereotypy, pica, aggression, self-injury, etc. Emphases will be placed on ethical considerations such as the utilization of the least intrusive, least restrictive model and “effective treatment”. Techniques covered will include antecedent control strategies, schedules of reinforcement, extinction, differential reinforcement strategies, social stories, desensitization procedures, and decelerative procedures. PREREQUISITE: OL445 Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis. OL497 Intro to Autism Spectrum Disorder, OL678 Specialized Instructional Strategies, OL493 Ethics and Professionalism
This course is potentially available for registration.
PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate.
Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca
To request to register for this course contact de@confederationcollege.ca
As a graduate of the Autism and Behavioural Sciences program you will be qualified to work in autism services, children’s services, education as well as in the private sector.
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Pathways
Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.
