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Learn how to confidently connect with, engage and educate high-needs children in the state鈥檚 only undergraduate Special Education Teaching degree for Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities.

This concentration within the University of Central Missouri鈥檚 Special Education Bachelor of Science degree program prepares you to work with K鈥�12 students who have severe developmental disabilities. Successfully educating these children requires multiple teaching strategies. At UCM, you鈥檒l acquire these differentiated learning techniques and learn how to create safe spaces that support the diverse needs of your future students.

This Special Education degree program will qualify you for Missouri Teacher Certification in Severe Developmental Disabilities K鈥�12, which will enable you to become a public school teacher for children of all ages who have severe developmental disabilities.

What is special education for children with autism and severe disabilities?

Severe developmental disabilities are fairly uncommon among K鈥�12 students, but autism is not. The CDC reports that 1 in 36 children are affected. Elementary and high school special education teachers qualified to work with these students are in strong demand. UCM鈥檚 undergraduate Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities degree 鈥� the only one of its kind in the state 鈥� trains you to help these children succeed.

What you will study

UCM鈥檚 Special Education degree, with a concentration in Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities, will prepare you to teach K鈥�12 students with significant intellectual or physical disabilities. Our Special Education programs include teacher training to develop the specialized skills you鈥檒l need for working with your future students.

The University of Central Missouri鈥檚 Special Education programs are fully accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children, meeting rigorous standards. Your coursework will include topics such as:

Evaluation of Abilities and Achievement: This course provides you with the tools to answer the question, 鈥渨hat is special education, and when is that track right for a student?鈥� Learn to administer and interpret intelligence tests and diagnostic procedures and to design curricula that address individual needs.
Physical and Health Care Needs of Students with Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities: High school and elementary special education teachers of children with significant disabilities must be able to accommodate their students鈥� diverse physical needs in the classroom. This core course of your degree program will help you understand how to create an educational plan that supports the whole child.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Teaching children with autism and significant disabilities can require adaptive communication techniques. In UCM鈥檚 Special Education Teaching degree program, you鈥檒l learn to use a variety of tools, including American Sign Language and communication devices.

What can you do with a Special Education degree from UCM?

UCM鈥檚 accredited Special Education programs are highly respected. Our graduates are actively sought out by regional school districts and often hired before they complete their student teaching experience. Many receive signing incentives, reflecting the current demand for teachers trained to work with students with autism or significant disabilities.

What is special education鈥檚 career path, though? K鈥�12 educators typically receive their undergraduate special education teaching degree, qualify for state certification in their focus area 鈥� such as Severe Developmental Disabilities 鈥� and take a job as a high school or elementary special education teacher immediately after graduation.