ESE Overview

Florida’s Autism Micro-Credential

Registration opened, July 1, 2026, for Florida’s Autism Micro-Credential. Developed by the University of Florida Statewide Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment in partnership with Florida’s Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities, this competency-based professional learning opportunity was created in response to Senate Bill 112 and is designed for professionals who support children and youth with autism across early learning and K-12 settings. The program launches on August 10, 2026, and focuses on evidence-based practices and practical applications to support individuals with autism. Learn more and register for this no-cost course at

778201 Autism Micro-Credential | University of Florida.

778201 - Autism Micro-credential

Course Description

The Autism Micro-Credential (SB 112) is a professional learning program designed to increase participants’ knowledge, confidence, and effectiveness in supporting students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in integrated educational settings. Participants will explore evidence-based practices, communication strategies, behavioral supports, sensory considerations, and instructional approaches that promote student success academically, socially, and emotionally.

Aligned with the requirements of Florida Senate Bill 112, this micro-credential equips educators, childcare providers, and school personnel with practical tools to create supportive, equitable, and student-centered learning environments. Through interactive learning experiences, participants will gain a deeper understanding of autism characteristics, individualized supports, family collaboration, and strategies that foster engagement and independence across diverse classroom settings.

This micro-credential is intended for K–12 educators, instructional staff, paraeducators, childcare providers, and other professionals who work with students with autism and are committed to strengthening integrated practices and improving student outcomes.

Course Outline

Course Topics and Modules

1. Foundations and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

2. Communication Supports and Functional Communication

3. Social Development and Peer Interactions

4. Behavior Basics (Positive Behavior Supports)

5. Sensory Motor Considerations

6. Environmental Design, Visual Supports, and Predictability

7. Teaching Strategies for Skill Acquisition 

8. Data Collection Basics

9. Collaboration and Professional Practice

10. Safety and Crisis Response

Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Autism Micro-Credential, participants will be able to:

• Identify the characteristics and diverse presentations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Apply communication supports and strategies that promote functional communication.
• Support social development and positive peer interactions.
• Implement positive behavior supports and proactive behavioral strategies.
• Recognize sensory-motor needs and provide appropriate accommodations and supports.
• Create structured, predictable, and visually supportive learning environments.
• Use evidence-based instructional strategies to support skill acquisition and independence.
• Collect and use basic data to monitor student progress and guide instruction.
• Collaborate effectively with families, educators, childcare providers, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Apply safety, prevention, and crisis response practices that support student well-being and dignity.

Notes

Thank you for registering for the Autism Micro-Credential (SB 112)!

Access the course through this course link: Autism Micro-Credential

You should also receive an email from the Canvas Message Center (notifications@instructure.com) with a link to the course.

If you receive an “Access Denied” message when attempting to access the course in Canvas, you will need to submit a ticket to eLearning Support and request that your Canvas profiles be merged. Please include the course URL when submitting your request.

For additional assistance with registration or course access, please contact Kay-Lee Hewett (kwilliams1996@ufl.edu).

Prerequisites

Enrollment in the Autism Micro-Credential (SB 112) is available to eligible educational personnel who meet the requirements established under Florida Senate Bill 112.

Participants must:

• Complete the required application process.
• Meet applicable SB 112 eligibility requirements.
• Have access to a classroom, school, or educational setting where course concepts and strategies may be applied.
• Use the same account/email address throughout the application and registration process. If an application is submitted using one account and course registration is attempted with a different account, registration will be denied.
• Carefully review all application information before submission, as submitted applications cannot be deleted.

Additional eligibility or participation requirements may be reviewed during the application and enrollment process.