COM 308: Language and Communication Development in Autism

Course Description

This course will provide an overview of the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intervention approaches that support language development and social communication across a variety of educational and community settings. Students will apply evidence-based assessment tools, diagnostic criteria, and intervention strategies that support language and communication skills in individuals with autism. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

ENG 101: English Composition 1
ENG 102: English Composition 2

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will have gained knowledge about:

Describe the characteristics of autism.
Apply evidenced-based assessment tools and diagnostic criteria to evaluate language and communication abilities in individuals with autism, considering both strengths and challenges.
Explain the difference between social communication and functional communication.
Evaluate the role of early intervention strategies in promoting language and communication skills in individuals with autism, including behavioral interventions, speech and assistive communication technologies.
Design supports based on an intervention plan and treatment approach tailored to the unique needs of individuals with autism, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, visual supports, and social skills training programs.
Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in working with individuals with autism and their families, recognizing the diversity of experiences and perspectives in the autism community.

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments	Weight
Discussions (Weeks 1-8)	25%
Quizzes (Week 2)	10%
Assignments (Weeks 1-8)	30%
Final Project (Week 7)	35%
Total	100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

Prelock, P.A., & McCauley, R.J. (2021). Treatment of autism spectrum disorder: Evidence-based intervention strategies for communication and social interactions. 2nd ed. Paul H. Brookes Publishing: Baltimore.

Additional Resources

Video Clips- Prelock, P.A., & McCauley, R.J. (2021). Treatment of autism spectrum disorder: Evidence-based intervention strategies for communication and social interactions (2^nd) Paul H. Brookes Publishing: Baltimore

Course Schedule

Week	SLOs	Readings and Exercises	Assignments
1	1,3	Topic: What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Read and Review: Before reading Chapter 1: Complete a questionnaire on your knowledge of autism Read Chapter 1 Read Worksheet for Determination of Eligibility for Special Education Services under the classification of Autism	Review Getting Started information Review course syllabus Read assigned chapters and materials Review the lecture material Participate in the discussions Go to Brookes Publishing Download Hub to create an account for video clips for Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder Submit Assignment:Determination of Autism – Medical vs. Educational Criteria
2	2,4,5	Topic: Assessment for Treatment Planning and Progress Monitoring Read and Review: Read Chapter 2	Read assigned chapters and materials Review the lecture material Participate in discussions Submit Assignment:Final Project: Model & Case Selection Complete Week 2 Quiz
3	2,3,4	Topic: Language and Communication in Autism Read and Review: Read Chapter 3	Read assigned chapters and materials Review the lecture material Participate in discussions Submit Assignment: Planning Support for a Communication Challenge Submit Assignment:Final Project: Draft Intervention Plan and Visual Strategy Preview
4	2,4,5	Topic: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Strategies Read and Review: Read Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ASHA, n.d.)	Read assigned material Review the lecture material Participate in discussions Submit Assignment 1 - Designing Visual Schedules to Support Communication and Transitions Submit Assignment 2 - AAC Tool Trial – Exploring Aided Input and Implementation (Prelock 2021, p. 100)
5	4,5	Topic: Discrete Trial Instruction and Applied Behavioral Analysis Read and Review: Read Chapter 6	Read assigned chapter Review the lecture material Participate in discussions Submit Week 5 Assignment – Visual Support for Social Skills – One-on-One Setting and Visual Support for Social Skills – Group Setting
6	4,5,6	Topic: Social Skills Intervention Read and Review: Read Chapter 15	Read assigned chapters and materials Review the lecture material Participate in discussions Submit Week 6 Assignment- Rule Cards for Preschool Social Skills Instruction and Contingency Map for Elementary and High School Students
7	2,4,5,6	Topic: Social Stories Read and Review: Read Chapter 16	Read assigned chapters and materials Review the lecture material Participate in discussions Submit Final Project-Final Project - Intervention Plan with Visual Supports
8	4,5,6	Topic: Video Modeling: Seeing is Believing Read and Review: Read Chapter 17	Read assigned chapter Review the lecture material Participate in discussions Submit Week 8 Assignment - Video Modeling Project – Lights, Camera, Communication! Complete Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.