Autism Circuit Academy
The Autism Circuit Academy (ACA) endorsement programs are comprehensive professional development designed to help Texas educators acquire and effectively implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) for teaching students with autism. The training is free for educators across Texas who are employees of a local education agency.
Call for Applicants
Seeking educators across the state of Texas to be a part of a 4-month long cohort of educators devoted to learning more about evidence-based practices (EBPs) for students with autism.
- Earn 24 CEUs upon completion
- Time period: September 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025 (All dates are subject to change)
- Application deadline: August 15, 2025 (All dates are subject to change)
- Audience: Special Education Teachers, General Education Teachers, Campus and District Specialists, Paraeducators, Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, School Psychologists, and other interested local education agency (LEA) staff
Program Benefits
The Autism Circuit Academy is committed to building district capacity by increasing the number of educators in the state who are skilled in the implementation of EBPs. Through our virtual professional learning community format, participants can easily communicate with each other by asking questions, seeking and providing feedback, and uploading implementation artifacts. Our staff provides rapid and ready assistance and continuous modeling throughout the duration of the program.
Is the ACA for you?
The Autism Circuit Academy programs are designed for educators committed to developing effective educational programming for all students with autism.
- Special Education Teachers
- General Education Teachers
- Paraeducators
- Campus and District Specialists
- Speech Language Pathologists
- Occupational Therapists
- LSSPs
- Other Local Education Agency Staff
Application
The Level 1 2024-2025 application is now closed. Contact AutismCircuit@esc13.txed.net to be added to the 2025-2026 mailing list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my endorsement mean?
The Autism Circuit Academy endorsement is awarded evidence of the work you did to become skilled in the implementation of the evidence-based practices (EBPs) identified by the National Professional Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The information on your endorsement details the work completed to earn the endorsement and CEUs: participate in multiple interactive webinars, provide artifacts of implementation with students for each of the high-yield EBPs, and collaborate in a statewide professional learning community (PLC). The endorsement does not expand the scope of your profession; however, it does demonstrate your commitment and accomplishment to professional growth. The CEUs you earned from the Autism Circuit Academy program are accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). It is not an accredited degree, nor is it a license or certificate from the state. The state of Texas does not issue any licenses or certificates for autism training, nor is one required for working with students. Your endorsement from TEA is a visible sign that you are equipped to effectively and appropriately implement programs for students with autism.
What makes this training unique?
Effective PD should occur over time and be ongoing. Our Autism Circuit Academy levels offer separate semester-long (spring and fall) cohorts, with opportunities to complete both cohorts for a full year of training and coaching. The ACA also offers opportunities for a second year (Level 2) for successful ACA Level 1 completers.
Continuing Education
- Level 1 Fall ACA Cohort will provide completers with 24 Continuing Education Credits.
- Level 1 Spring ACA Cohort will provide completers with 24 Continuing Education Credits.
- Level 2 Fall ACA Cohort will provide completers with 24 Continuing Education Credits.
- Level 2 Spring ACA Cohort will provide completers with 24 Continuing Education Credits.
Why is the Level 2: Advanced program only open to Level 1 finishers?
The Advanced program is only open to educators who have completed the Level 1 program because the Advanced program builds on concepts and skills covered in Level 1. Many of the EBPs covered in Level 2 incorporate the Tool Belt EBPs, so a strong common knowledge of implementation is important. Also, educators who have completed the Level 1 program are more likely to better manage challenging behaviors using the EBPs they learned so that they may be better able to focus on content.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the Autism Circuit Academy programs?
Contact the Autism Circuit at AutismCircuit@esc13.txed.net.
