When Tanya was completing her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Toronto, one subject in particular interested her: autism. Her program touched on the subject, but she wanted to study evidence-based treatments and learn how they are used to help people with autism. Tanya’s desire to learn more led her to the Autism and Behavioural Science program at Mohawk College.
“Going through the psychology degree I was very interested in the autism side of things, but there wasn't a lot of information that was being given to me. It was the same stuff over and over again, and it was very minimal.
Tanya continued, “A lot of people were recommending this program and they were saying ‘you have to do it. It’s quick, it's easy, you get everything in an eight-month period.’ I just decided to go for it instead of working full-time.”
The Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate can be completed in less than a year, creating a fast-paced program environment. Tanya feels that she’s benefitting from the quick nature of the learning. “It is fast paced, but I like that. I feel like you're never bored, or you don't have a lot of downtime, but I thrive in that kind of environment,” said Tanya. “You're getting all the information you need, and then you're practically applying it in the field when you have your placements.”
Tanya will complete two placements through her program, putting the skills she’s learned in the classroom to the test in the field. “My first placement I had at Ron Joyce, the Children's Health Centre. That was a very cool first placement because it's so clinical,” she said. “Going into that, I got to see every single little thing that we were taught displayed in the professional workplace. Seeing how things are modified for a specific environment, it looks very different in a clinic versus a classroom.”
She has already completed her first placement with the Ron Joyce Centre and will be starting her second placement shortly. “Next week I’ll start at Woodview. The placements are my favourite, I love seeing like the little kiddos and you form these bonds in four weeks. I'm like, ‘I don't want to leave.’”
While completing her program, Tanya has found ways to get involved with the Mohawk College community and help her fellow students. “I really like the people and I like how the environment is super inclusive. You don't feel like an outsider,” she said. “You kind of find your groove, your people, and there's a lot of opportunities to socially interact. I started working at the Learning Support Centre (LSC) and I formed a little family in the LSC department.”
Tanya works with the LSC as a study skills tutor, providing guidance for students looking to improve their study skills. “I would help students learn how to study, give tips on how to do their assignments, teach them to be more productive instead of fearful of things. I know I used to have very bad test anxiety, and there are things you can do for that,” she said.
When she looks to the future, Tanya sees herself continuing helping and supporting children with autism. “I'd love to be an autism therapist. Going into my placements and seeing how it runs, I think it's a profession that I would enjoy because it's not like a sitting at a desk staring at a screen 24/7. You get different caseloads,” said Tanya. “Every child is so different. Your days are never going to look the same. You never know what's going to happen. I thrive in those environments, and I love it. That's the path I really would like to go into.”
Tanya is grateful for her experience with the program and recommends it to others who may be interested in behavioral science. “I love the program. I would recommend it as well to other people, especially if they're looking into the field. It's a very good program to get a solid foundation before you get into the workforce.”
