The M.Ed. Special Education - Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) program aligns with NSU?s focused mission of ?empower[ing] individuals to become socially responsible global citizens by creating and sustaining a culture of learning and discovery.?? In like manner, this program empowers teachers to sustain a culture of learning for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and all other disabilities.??

One in every 50 school-aged children have been identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); an increase from one in 88 just last year (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013).? The goal of this proposed program is to prepare teachers to effectively educate students with ASD and other disabilities.? The program includes three components: professional education, special education, and enrichment courses.? These three components lead to a final culminating capstone experience.