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Autism Circuit Academy

The Autism Circuit Academy (ACA) endorsement programs are comprehensive professional development designed to help Texas educators acquire and effectively implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) for teaching students with autism. The ACA is a product of the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT) and is supported by a grant from the Texas Education Agency. The training is free for educators across Texas who are employees of a local education agency.

Watch this video to learn more about the program!

Program Benefits

The Autism Circuit Academy is committed to building district capacity by increasing the number of educators in the state who are skilled in the implementation of EBPs. Through our virtual professional learning community format, participants can easily communicate with each other by asking questions, seeking and providing feedback, and uploading implementation artifacts. Our TSLAT staff provides rapid and ready assistance and continuous modeling throughout the duration of the program.

Is the ACA for you?

The Autism Circuit Academy programs are designed for educators committed to developing effective educational programming for all students with autism.

Graduate Testimonials

  • Special Education Teachers
  • General Education Teachers
  • Paraeducators
  • Campus and District Specialists
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • LSSPs
  • Other Local Education Agency Staff

This video report was provided to the Texas State Legislature after the first two cohorts of educators completed our Level 1 Evidence-Based Practices program.

Cohorts

Level 1

The Tool Belt

A rigorous online program that focuses on 8 high yield evidence-based practices for students with autism

Level 1

Level 2

Advanced

A deeper look into 4 behavioral evidence based practices

Level 2

* Level 2 programs are only open to participants that have completed the Level 1 program.

Application

The application for the Level 1 2022-2023 EBP Cohort is now closed. Please contact us if you would like to be added to the mailing list for future cohorts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will my endorsement mean?

The Autism Circuit Academy endorsement is awarded evidence of the work you did to become skilled in the implementation of the evidence-based practices (EBPs) identified by the National Professional Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The information on your endorsement details the work completed to earn the endorsement and CEUs: participate in multiple interactive webinars, provide artifacts of implementation with students for each of the high-yield EBPs, and collaborate in a statewide professional learning community (PLC). The endorsement does not expand the scope of your profession; however, it does demonstrate your commitment and accomplishment to professional growth. The CEUs you earned from the Autism Circuit Academy program are accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). It is not an accredited degree, nor is it a license or certificate from the state. The state of Texas does not issue any licenses or certificates for autism training, nor is one required for working with students. Your endorsement from TSLAT and TEA is a visible sign that you are equipped to effectively and appropriately implement programs for students with autism.

How do I request a copy of my certificate or my digital badge?

Email AutismCircuit@esc13.txed.net. Please indicate your full name, the program level you completed, and the year of completion.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the Autism Circuit Academy programs?

Contact Blaine Campbell at blaine.campbell@esc13.txed.net or call 512-919-5256.

What makes this training unique?

There are many online trainings about autism available. What makes the Autism Circuit Academy unique is the model of professional development (PD) that we use. Research shows that the traditional model of PD, the sit-and-get model of workshops or webinars, is ineffective in getting educators to actually implement strategies that are taught. It is called the implementation gap. We have studied the research to learn ways to close that gap. 1) Effective PD should occur over time and be ongoing. Our Autism Circuit Academy levels span a school year with opportunities for a second year of continued PD. 2) Coaching is found to be highly effective in helping teachers implement new practices. Individual coaching from a TSLAT autism specialist is an integral component of each level. Our virtual PLC platform also allows for consulting not just from our TSLAT staff, but from peers across Texas participating in the PLC (Center for Public Education, 2013).

Why is the Level 2: Advanced program only open to Level 1 finishers?

The Advanced program is only open to educators who have completed the Level 1 program because the Advanced program builds on concepts and skills covered in Level 1. Many of the EBPs covered in Level 2 incorporate the Tool Belt EBPs, so a strong common knowledge of implementation is important. Also, educators who have completed the Level 1 program are more likely to better manage challenging behaviors using the EBPs they learned so that they may be better able to focus on content.

Program Preparation

If you are a new teacher, or have limited experience with students with autism, and would like introductory training before joining the ACA, we recommend these free foundational online courses from our Learning Library

Autism 101:

Top Ten Pieces to the Puzzle

6 CE credits

Earn digital badge

view Autism 101:

Communication:

The Power of Communication for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

6 CE credits

Earn digital badge

view Communication:

Navigating the Social Maze:

Supports & Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

6 CE credits

Earn digital badge

view Navigating the Social Maze: