This course investigates pertinent issues related to autism spectrum disorders and deals with the nature and dynamics of autism in relation to school, community, and home environments. Specific topics investigated include: definition and symptoms, family and professional relationships, behavior, multi-faceted treatment strategies, and constructive IEP/inclusion goals and objectives. Master’s program session 3. 3 credits.

Information processing and sensory anomalies, language development and communication strategies, pragmatics, augmentative and alternative communication systems (AAC), social skills deficits, and approaches for teaching social skills. Prerequisite: SED841. Master’s program session 4. 3 credits.

Basic principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA - the approach confirmed by the US Surgeon General to be most promising and research-supported in the treatment of ASD). An historical perspective concerning the application of ABA with individuals with autism/PDD, including discrete trial analysis of verbal behavior (Skinner, Michael) and direct instruction. Empiricism in educational settings, reinforcement, stimulus control, punishment, prompting, fading, task analysis, generalization, and maintenance. Issues affecting persons with autism and their families will be addressed, including functional analysis of behavior, sleeping, eating, toileting/grooming, and determining credibility of treatments. Application of ABA principles to group/classroom settings. Prerequisite: SED842. Master’s program session 5. 3 credits.

This course investigates instruments of screening, diagnosis, and identification of specific skills in developmental diagnosis, as well as assessment techniques for identification of skills in developmental domains, such as sensory, oral motor, play, and communication/language. Students will practice analyzing assessment results and developing practical strategies detailing what to teach based on assessment results. The course will also give an overview of curricular approaches/materials available and routinely used with individuals on the autism spectrum. Students will learn about long-term program planning (including collaboration with families and service providers, and program planning for life transitions, career/vocational goals). Prerequisite: SED843. Master’s program session 6. 3 credits.