DE Aspergers (Procedures and Characteristics)

A Dual-Course Exploration Series:

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Overview

Autism Spectrum Disorders is a complex developmental disorder that manifests itself in difficulties with communication, behavior, and social skills. Often individuals on the spectrum, by the very nature of the disorder, face complex challenges in academics as well as social situations many of us take for granted.

There are no educational, socioeconomic, cultural, or ethnic variances across the autism spectrum. The complexities and vast differences in individuals make it challenging to figure out where to “start” when considering theoretical models, educational programming, intervention development and strategy selection. Ability levels of Individuals on the spectrum can range from gifted to gifted/savant. Extremes in co-existing disabilities can also be found in individuals throughout the spectrum. Because of the diversity in strengths and needs, all stakeholders from parents, to educators, to service personnel, to administrators, and the individual themselves must explore all evidence-based strategies and interventions across the field of exceptional education.

Because the complex challenges lend themselves to borrowing interventions across theoretical backgrounds and transcend more than one discipline, this vast amount of knowledge is difficult to absorb quickly enough to apply it in real-life settings. For this purpose, two courses have been specially designed to explore characteristics and procedures with a specific target area of the spectrum in mind. Each course will address key topics in autism spectrum disorders but with the needs that most often appear in the target area in mind. Thus, at the close of each course students will have a working knowledge of key interventions and strategies and understand how to critically evaluate strategies not featured in this class. However, strategies and interventions presented in either course not only cut across each other and can be used inter-changeably depending on the child’s’ needs, but can also be useful with others who may not be on the spectrum.

Course Options

Autism option: Targets low-incidence populations with ASD

EDFS 796: Characteristics & Procedures for Individuals with Autism or Closely Related Disorders

Provides an in-depth evaluation of distinctive characteristics, unique challenges, and individualized interventions specifically targeted to individuals identified with autism and closely related disorders. Emphasis in this course focuses on (1) individuals on the spectrum who also exhibit low intellgience quotents, and/or limitations in functional speech, and (2) strategies and interventions for early childhood and/or self-contained programs.

This option: Targets high-incidence populations with ASD

EDFS 796: Characteristics & Procedures for Individuals with High-Functioning Autism/Asperger’s

Provides an in-depth evaluation of issues, challenges, and possible solutions for individuals with high functioning autism/Asperger’s syndrome (HFA/AS) with special interest in evidence-based interventions for higher incidence ASD’s. Emphasis in this course focuses on (1) individuals on the spectrum who also exhibit average or above intelligence quotents, and/or mimimual limitations in functional speech, and (2) strategies and interventions for inclusion and/or post-secondary educational programs.

Course Structure

Two graduate-level courses have been carefully structured to ensure students working with individuals across the spectrum not only understand the basic characteristics associated with a specific target group, but can also explore assessment tools, evidence-based practices, and unique differences. Typically, students may enroll in a characteristics course to understand “what autism spectrum disorders are” and a methods course to understand “what to do for individuals on the spectrum”. This delivery method limits opportunities for educators or service providers to understand the population they will most often be working with. Nor, does it leave time for in-depth comprehensive evaluation of the various components required to develop programming. By re-structuring the content, students can spend their time focusing on “what it is” and what to do” in one course. The structure allows students who need a working knowledge to focus on a specific target area and students who desire a comprehensive understanding of the entire spectrum to focus on one aspect at a time.

Topics covered within each course includes: overview of characteristics, co-occurring disorders, assessment, educational planning and programming, instructional strategies and interventions, social skills and related interventions, communication and related interventions, behavior and related interventions, transition across the life span, service delivery, families and communities, considerations unique to each aspect of the spectrum, controversial issues and current trends.

Student-directed selection of supplemental reading materials from an approved list provides flexibility for the learners to match their learning goals with the course objectives. In other words, by working closely with the instructor to select a series of books to read throughout the semester, the course can be naturally tailored to accommodate learners across all personal and professional backgrounds.

Course activities such as discussion board postings, individual and small group activities, book reviews, provide a canvas for students to engage and learn with and from one another. Together, smaller learning groups build a repertoire of strategies and interventions students will then use to develop the final project using the tools presented in the course.