ASD Endorsement

  • Approximately one out of every 36 children are Autistic. Teachers of self-contained ASD classes should have the endorsement on their certificate, but any teacher can add the ASD endorsement if they are working with Autistic students in their classroom.

    Teachers have two options available to obtain the coursework to meet the endorsement criteria.

    Option 1: Complete the state-approved district add-on ASD Endorsement program through the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS)

    If you complete Option 1: 

    • Complete an application with the FLDOE to add the ASD endorsement.
    • Submit the $75 application fee with your FLDOE application.
    • Email  certification@pcsb.org stating completion of the district add-on ASD Endorsement program.
      • The Certification Team will submit documentation verifying teaching experience in an ASD classroom.

     

     

    Option 2: Complete a Florida-state approved program through college or university.

    • To earn the ASD endorsement, teachers must have a bachelor's degree or higher with certification in any exceptional student education area and must complete 12 semester hours at a university or college that offers the following courses:
      • Nature of Autism Spectrum Disorders
      • Use of Assistive Instructional Technology for Students with ASD
      • Behavior Management of Positive Behavior Supports for Students with ASD
      • Assessment and Diagnosis of ASD
      • Field-based Experience with Students with ASD

     

    If you complete Option 2: 

    • Complete an application with the FLDOE to add the ASD endorsement.
    • Submit the $75 application fee with your FLDOE application.
    • Send official college transcript to the FLDOE.
    • Email certification@pcsb.org stating completion of a state-approved college/university ASD program.
      • The Certification Team will submit the required documentation to verify your teaching experience in an ASD classroom.

     

    Please note:

    • Teachers new to Pinellas County that transferred ASD coursework from another school district's state-approved ASD program will NOT be able to combine those courses with the FDLRS state-approved professional development program.
      • The transferred points can be used toward renewal of the professional certificate satisfying the Exceptional Student Education/Student with Disabilities requirement. Excess points can be banked for future renewals.
    • Teachers that started the ASD endorsement coursework at a college prior to the implementation of the FDLRS state-approved professional development program, must either:
      • Complete the remaining coursework at a college OR
      • Complete the FDLRS ASD Endorsement program in its entirety.