Education and therapy for people with autism spectrum disorders

The autism spectrum encompasses diverse ways of communicating, learning, feeling and functioning in the world. That is why effective support requires knowledge, attentiveness, flexibility and well-chosen working methods.

The postgraduate programme Autism, including Asperger syndrome prepares students to work with children, young people and pupils on the autism spectrum. The curriculum covers functional assessment, educational and therapeutic methods, communication, emotional and social support, cooperation with families, and the organisation of the educational process.

Understand neurodiversity. Support potential. Create opportunities.

The programme is intended for people who want to gain specialist preparation for working with children, pupils, adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum. It responds to the growing need for professional support in schools, preschools, counselling centres, therapeutic facilities and family settings. The programme is aimed at:

• preschool, primary and secondary school teachers who work or plan to work with pupils on the autism spectrum;
• educators, special education teachers, caregivers, educational therapists and specialists supporting child development;
• people employed in counselling centres, rehabilitation centres, therapeutic facilities, after-school clubs, support centres and institutions providing assistance to children and families;
• teachers co-organising education, people conducting rehabilitation classes and those preparing to work in inclusive education;
• specialists who want to organise their professional practice, develop their diagnostic and functional assessment skills, and learn practical methods of supporting people on the autism spectrum.

The aim of the programme is to prepare students to professionally plan, organise, conduct and evaluate educational, upbringing, therapeutic and support activities for people with autism spectrum disorders at various stages of development and in different environments.

The programme develops the competences needed to understand the specific characteristics of how people on the autism spectrum function, identify their individual needs, design appropriate forms of support, cooperate with families and teams of specialists, and build an educational environment conducive to safety, communication, relationships and independence.

A graduate of the postgraduate programme “Education and therapy for people with autism spectrum disorders” possesses the knowledge, skills and social competences necessary to conduct educational, care, rehabilitation, therapeutic and support activities for people on the autism spectrum.

They understand the specific ways in which people on the autism spectrum function, including differences in communication, social relationships, sensory processing, emotional regulation, behaviour, learning and adaptation to the environment. They are able to identify both the difficulties and the strengths of a person on the spectrum and then translate this knowledge into specific educational and therapeutic activities.

A graduate is able to design and conduct classes supporting the development of communication, social skills, independence, emotional regulation and cognitive functioning. They can adapt educational requirements, working methods, the environment and communication styles to the individual needs of the learner. They are prepared to cooperate with the family, teachers, specialists and institutions supporting the child, learner and family.

In their professional work, they are guided by the principles of ethics, respect for human dignity, responsibility, attentiveness to neurodiversity and the conviction that effective support requires both knowledge and relationships.

The programme leads to qualifications in accordance with the applicable regulations, taking into account the candidate’s previous education and pedagogical training.

To enrol in the programme, you need:

• a certified copy of a diploma confirming completion of first- or second-cycle studies,
• a programme admission form (the University's internal form),
• 1 photograph (37 mm x 52 mm).

WSL postgraduate studies in Częstochowa combine academic knowledge, practical professional preparation and the current needs of schools and educational institutions. The programmes are designed so that students not only obtain formal qualifications, but also develop the practical skills of a specialist: the ability to diagnose, plan support, conduct classes, cooperate with families and teams, and document and evaluate activities.

These studies are designed for people who want to work responsibly, innovatively and effectively — with people, their potential, needs and future.