Course Description
Etiology, characteristics, current research, diagnostic process,
intervention methods, family and professional collaboration, and
community considerations in autism spectrum disorder and other
social communication disorders. This introductory course
emphasizes the core deficit of social communication.
Athena Title
Autism and Social Comm Disord
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- By the successful completion of this course, students will be able to describe current diagnostic criteria for ASD.
- By the successful completion of this course, students will be able to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate historical and current information about the nature of ASD.
- By the successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify red flags for ASD and describe the interdisciplinary diagnostic process.
- By the successful completion of this course, students will be able to describe evidence-based intervention strategies, practices, and programs for children and adults with ASD.
- By the successful completion of this course, students will be able to evaluate common fads, myths, and fallacies and compare and contrast those, along with popular perception (e.g., media portrayal) of ASD, with current research.
- By the successful completion of this course, students will be able to describe the importance of and strategies to promote family collaboration.
- By the successful completion of this course, students will be able to evaluate cultural diversity considerations in diagnosis, treatment, and acceptance of ASD.
- By the successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify community supports, challenges, and inclusionary practices for individuals with ASD.
Topical Outline
- 1) Introduction to ASD
- 2) Nature of ASD: Neurodevelopmental Issues and Diagnostic Criteria
- 3) Social Communication
- 4) Family Collaboration
- 5) Early Identification
- 6) Interdisciplinary Diagnostic Process
- 7) Introduction to Intervention Approaches
- 8) Intervention: Early Childhood
- 9) Intervention: School-Age
- 10) Intervention: Adolescent through Adult
- 11) Fads, Myths, and Fallacies
- 12) Popular Perception
- 13) Community Engagement
- 14) Special Topics
