Course Description
This course will focus on Autism and Asperger's Disorder, including chartacteristics of these disorders, associated learning styles, communication weaknesses, and various intervention strategies. The course will also help the learner make sense out of why individuals with Autism spectrum disorders behave the way they do, and cover what the learner can do to enhance more appropriate behavior. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the causes and manifestations of autism spectrum disorders.
- Describe how Autism Spectrum Disorder is identified and diagnosed.
- Compare and discuss causal theories associated with autism.
- Describe the neurological impact of autism.
- Analyze current intervention techniques in the education environments.
- Evaluate the social skills training for people with autism spectrum disorders.
- Explain some of the many controversies around autism spectrum disorders.
- Improve critical thinking skills as evidenced through written work and communication.
- Analyze the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan and its implications for families across cultures.
General Education Outcomes (GEOs)
Please check the applicable GEOs for this course, if any, by outcomes at GEO Category Search, or by subject area at GEO Discipline Search.
Course Activities and Grading
Assignments | Weight |
Discussions | 35% |
Reaction Pieces | 15% |
Essays | 30% |
Final Paper | 20% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore
- Boucher, J.M. (2017). Autistic Spectrum Disorders. 2nd ed. Sage Publications, Inc. ISBN-10: 1-4462-9567-2 or ISBN-13: 978-1-4462-9567-0
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1,7,8 | Topic: Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder - Historical Background Readings and Activities:
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2 | 1,2,7,8 | Topics: Current Concepts and Definitions; A Fuller Picture Readings and Activities:
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3 | 1,4,7,8 | Topic: Biology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Understanding Brain Development) Readings and Activities:
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4 | 5,6,7,8,9 | Topics: Care and Working with Families; Transition and Adulthood Readings and Activities:
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5 | 5,6,8 | Topics: Interventions; Social Skills Training/Communications; Readings and Activities:
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6 | 2,7,8 | Topic: Assessment, Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and Screening Readings and Activities:
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7 | 3,5,6,8 | Topics: Indicators for Referral/Assessment for the Purpose of Instructional Planning Readings and Activities:
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8 | 7,8,9 | Topics: Policy, Legal and Social Impact Issues of Autism Spectrum Disorders Readings and Activities:
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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.