Special Education 501

EDSP 501: Approaches for Supporting and Teaching Individuals with ASD

 Prerequisite:  EDSP 400 or EDSP 500

Credit Hours: (3)

Addresses a wide variety of approaches for teaching and supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Included are relationship-based approaches, approaches based on the theories of applied behavioral analysis, biological or physiological interventions, and other therapeutic interventions (e.g. art, dance, music, auditory integration, discrete trial teaching).

 
Detailed Description of Content of Course

Students in this course will learn:

·The valuation of “treatment” approaches for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) weighing cost versus benefit, risk versus benefit, and empirical and anecdotal evidence of effectiveness.

·Common features of effective interventions, which include environmental accommodations, intensive interventions that build upon interests and strengths, using home and community settings, and typically developing peers, and holding a belief in a person’s competence and enjoyment of their company.

· Basics of relationship-based approaches (e.g., Developmental Individualized Relationship-based (DIR™) Approach, Son-Rise Program, SCERTS Model)

·Basics of approaches based on the theories of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) including Discrete Trial Teaching and TEACCH (the Treatment and Education of Autistic Children and related Communication Handicapped children)

·Basics of biological/physiological approaches (e.g., Sensory Integration Therapy, Auditory Integration Training (AIT), Massage Therapy, Chiropractic Care, Special Diets, Dietary supplements, Pharmacological interventions, Chelation therapy, Vision Therapy)

·Basics of other miscellaneous programs often marketed for autism (e.g., Pet Therapy, Equine Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Movement or Dance Therapy, Fast ForWord and  Earobics, and Auditory Discrimination In-depth).

 
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course may be conducted through lecture, discussion, cooperative group learning, demonstrations, case study examples, textbook and journal article reading, and video examples.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

·Evaluate various approaches weighing the risks versus the benefits and evidence of effectiveness of the approaches.

·Describe common features of approaches and means of determining effectiveness for particular students.

·Identify learning styles observed in students with ASD and develop, implement, and assess effectiveness of a program utilizing evidence-based practices and strategies for teaching and supporting students with ASD.


Assessment Measures

May require students to:

·Complete reading assignments and participate in class discussions and activities.

·Complete quizzes and/or exams at the discretion of the instructor

·Develop and present on an ASD Approaches Guide that provides in-depth information regarding one of the approaches shared in class. Information must include an evaluation of risks, costs, benefits, and evidence of effectiveness.

·Develop, implement, and evaluate an action research project for a student with an ASD utilizing one of the approaches shared in class.

·Write a lesson plan with accommodations and modifications for a student with autism and deliver the lesson to a class that includes the student for whom the lesson was designed.

·Present the implemented program and data related to its effectiveness.

Other Course Information

This class is co-listed with EDSP 401. Student performance will be evaluated through differentiated assignments depending on EDSP 401 versus EDSP 501 level of the course.


Review and Approval

Approved:  February 2010