EDU 305: Autism Spectrum Disorder

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:

  1. Explain the causes and manifestations of autism spectrum disorders.
  2. Describe how Autism Spectrum Disorder is identified and diagnosed.
  3. Compare and discuss causal theories associated with autism.
  4. Describe the neurological impact of autism.
  5. Analyze current intervention techniques in the education environments.
  6. Evaluate the social skills training for people with autism spectrum disorders.
  7. Explain some of the many controversies around autism spectrum disorders.
  8. Improve critical thinking skills as evidenced through written work and communication.
  9. 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:

  • Chapter 1 (pps. 3 – 12);
  • Review the Lecture;
  • View Video Clip(s)
  • Complete Additional Readings

 

  • Read assigned chapter
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Write and Post Reaction Piece
  • Submit Written Assignments

2

1,2,7,8

Topics: Current Concepts and Definitions; A Fuller Picture

Readings and Activities:

  • Chapter 2 - 4 (pps. 13 – 69)
  • Complete Additional Readings
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Write and Post Reaction Piece
  • Submit Written Assignment(s)

3

1,4,7,8

Topic: Biology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Understanding Brain Development)

Readings and Activities:

  • Chapter 7 - 8 (pps. 101-138);
  • Review/Listen to Lecture
  • Complete Additional Readings
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Write and Post Reaction Piece
  • Submit Written Assignment(s)

4

5,6,7,8,9

Topics: Care and Working with Families; Transition and Adulthood

Readings and Activities:

  • Chapter 13 (pps. 237 -262);
  • Review/Listen to Lecture
  • View Video Clip(s)
  • Complete Additional Readings

 

  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Write and Post Reaction Piece
  • Submit Written Assignment(s)

5

5,6,8

Topics: Interventions; Social Skills Training/Communications;

Readings and Activities:

  • Chapter 12 (pps. 209-236);
  • Review the Lecture
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Write and Post Reaction Piece
  • Submit Written Assignment(s)

6

2,7,8

Topic: Assessment, Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and Screening

Readings and Activities:

  • Chapter 11 (pps. 187-207);
  • Review the Lecture

 

  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Write and Post Reaction Piece
  • Submit Written Assignment(s)

7

3,5,6,8

Topics: Indicators for Referral/Assessment for the Purpose of Instructional Planning

Readings and Activities:

  • Read Chapter 9 (pps. 139-183) and Chapter 6 (pps. 87 – 99).
  • Review the Lecture
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Create Visual Aid and post to Wiki Review the Lecture material
  • Write and Post Reaction Piece
  • Submit Written Assignment(s)

8

7,8,9

Topics: Policy, Legal and Social Impact Issues of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Readings and Activities:

  • Read (p. 244); (pps. 245 – 252); (pps. 252 – 262)
  • Review the Lecture
  • View Video Clip(s)
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Write and Post Reaction Piece
  • Submit Written Assignment(s)
  • Submit Final Paper
  • 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.